McKinney, Texas — A new frontcourt option is headed to the Dallas Mavericks. The franchise agreed to acquire forward Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday in exchange for AJ Johnson, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick belonging to the Golden State Warriors, and a pair of future second-round draft choices.
Aldama, a 25-year-old standing seven feet tall, averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 43 appearances last season. His shooting profile from deep, 35 percent on 4.7 attempts, gives the Mavericks a big man capable of pulling opposing defenders away from the basket. Knee surgery ended his season prematurely in March, but the expectation is a full recovery in time for the fall.
The trade also brings the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic to Dallas. A 2023 second-round selection by Memphis, Biberovic has played the past eight seasons for Fenerbahce in Turkey's top league and the EuroLeague without yet debuting in the NBA. His arrival continues the Mavericks' push toward international talent under their new basketball operations structure.
Memphis picked up Johnson, 21, who arrived in Dallas at last season's trade deadline from Milwaukee and appeared in 23 games off the bench. The Grizzlies, in full rebuild mode after trading Ja Morant to Portland earlier in the week, now hold additional future picks to fuel their retool. The Warriors' 2030 first-rounder sent to Memphis carries protection through the first 20 selections.
