The Memphis Grizzlies have traded forward Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks, a move that signals a clear direction for Memphis' retooling efforts. In exchange for Aldama, the Grizzlies will receive three draft picks. This transaction continues a busy offseason for the Grizzlies, who appear committed to a youth-driven rebuild.
Aldama, 25, signed a three-year, $52.5 million contract with the Grizzlies in July 2025, a deal that included a $17 million team option for the 2027-28 season. His salary for the upcoming 2026-27 season is $17,007,043. Last season, before a mid-March knee procedure ended his year, the 7-foot forward averaged a career-high 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 27.9 minutes per game across 43 appearances (11 starts). He shot 47.9% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range on 4.7 attempts per game. For Dallas, Aldama's $17 million salary for 2026-27 will fit into their existing $20.8 million trade exception from the Anthony Davis trade, providing immediate financial flexibility.
This trade is a definitive statement from the Grizzlies about their commitment to a new-look, physical frontcourt. Aldama's versatile scoring and playmaking for his size were valuable, but Memphis clearly prioritized additional draft capital and a younger, more physically imposing core around Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Mavericks, meanwhile, add a skilled big man who can stretch the floor, offering valuable depth in a frontcourt that already includes Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and recent No. 9 pick Morez Johnson Jr.
The wider context of this deal places it squarely within the Grizzlies' overarching strategy to accumulate draft assets and reshape their roster. The inclusion of a protected 2030 Warriors first-round pick, which converts to a 2030 second-rounder if it lands within its top-20 protected range, adds to Memphis' already substantial collection of future picks. This move signals a franchise fully embracing a rebuild through the draft and youth development. The Grizzlies now have 10 second-round picks in their pool. For Dallas, the acquisition of Aldama demonstrates an effort to bolster their roster around Cooper Flagg, providing shooting and positional versatility.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will focus on integrating their newly acquired draft picks and developing their young frontcourt talent. The immediate future for AJ Johnson, who was the 23rd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and is now on his fourth team, remains uncertain in Memphis, with the possibility of being waived to clear roster spots. The Grizzlies still need to trim their roster further, potentially involving Kris Murray and Taj Gibson, to reach the regular-season limit of 15. For Dallas, Aldama's arrival provides an immediate impact player who can contribute off the bench or even push for a starting role, especially if other veteran frontcourt players are moved this offseason.
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