The Dallas Mavericks have acquired forward Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard A.J. Johnson, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick originally belonging to the Golden State Warriors, and two future second-round picks. Aldama, a 7-foot Spaniard, has spent his entire five-year NBA career with the Grizzlies and is set to earn $17 million this upcoming season, with a team option for another $17 million in 2027-28.

Aldama, 25, is coming off a productive 2025-26 season where he averaged career highs of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He shot 47.9% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range on 4.7 attempts per game. Aldama has consistently improved his scoring average in each of his five NBA seasons and has made at least one three-pointer per game in the last four. His $17 million salary for the 2026-27 season will be absorbed by Dallas' existing trade exception.

This move signals a clear intent from Dallas to add a stretch big to complement their burgeoning young core, particularly Cooper Flagg. Aldama’s ability to space the floor, demonstrated by his 35% three-point shooting on decent volume, provides a necessary dimension to a Mavericks frontcourt that can, at times, become congested. His offensive versatility, with the ability to score inside and out, offers new head coach Dusty May a valuable chess piece. However, the existing depth at power forward and center, with P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and recent No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson Jr. already on the roster, raises questions about how May will manage minutes and rotations.

Aldama's acquisition also provides a fascinating glimpse into the Mavericks' evolving roster construction under new leadership, particularly with the recent hiring of Dusty May as head coach. May, who coached Morez Johnson Jr. at Michigan, now has another versatile big to work with. For Dallas, moving A.J. Johnson, who appeared in 23 games for the team last season, and future draft capital underscores their commitment to immediately bolster the roster around their young talent.

With Aldama now in the fold, the Mavericks are likely to explore further moves to streamline their frontcourt. The team just drafted Morez Johnson Jr., a 6-foot-9 big man, with the No. 9 pick, and the logjam will need to be addressed before the start of training camp. Dallas still possesses significant financial flexibility. Expect the Mavericks' front office to be active in the coming weeks as they look to optimize their roster and potentially consolidate some of their big-man talent.