The Dallas Mavericks picked up Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, sending guard AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick originally belonging to the Golden State Warriors, and two future second-round picks the other way. It’s not the kind of trade that makes headlines by itself. But it tells you a lot about where both franchises are right now.
Aldama is 6-foot-11, can stretch the floor, passes well, and moves enough to survive on defense. For Dallas, that’s exactly the kind of big man they’ve been trying to add. He fits next to Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving because he doesn’t need the ball to be useful. He spaces the floor, attacks closeouts, and plays connector instead of isolation. On nights when the Mavericks want more size without losing shooting, Aldama slides into small-ball five or a rangy four. Simple stuff, but valuable.
The Cost for Dallas
AJ Johnson has upside as a young guard, but he was stuck in a crowded backcourt. The protected Warriors first and the second-rounders are real assets, but the protections matter. If Golden State falls off later in the decade, Dallas doesn’t get burned too bad. It’s a calculated chip, not a gamble.
What Memphis Is Doing
From Memphis’ side, this is about gathering picks. The Grizzlies have spent the last few months trading away stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. for draft capital. Aldama showed flashes, but he’s 24 and not part of whatever comes next in Memphis. So they flip him for future assets and keep building toward a new timeline.
For the Mavericks, the move is straightforward. They got a skilled big who fits their system without disrupting anything. That’s the kind of trade good front offices make in July. No fireworks. Just a better fit.
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