Full Breakdown
Dallas Mavericks Acquire Santi Aldama and Draft Rights to Tarik Biberovic
7/3/2026, 3:41:04 PM
Trade Details
On Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks received forward Santi Aldama and the draft rights to Turkish-born forward Tarik Biberovic from the Memphis Grizzlies. In exchange, Dallas sent guard A.J. Johnson, a 2030 first-round pick originally owned by the Golden State Warriors (top-20 protected), and two future second-round selections. The deal was confirmed by Shams Charania and reported by multiple outlets.
Roster Context
Dallas entered the offseason with a frontcourt lacking consistent perimeter shooting. After the Anthony Davis trade left a $20 million trade exception, president Masai Ujiri emphasized building around rookie Cooper Flagg with added shooting. Adding a 7-foot stretch big directly addresses that deficiency and creates spacing for Flagg’s drives.
Key Figures
- Santi Aldama – 25-year-old Spanish forward, five seasons with Memphis, career-high 14.0 pts, 6.7 reb, 2.9 ast per game.
- Tarik Biberovic – 2023-draft 56th-overall pick, currently with Fenerbahçe; 12.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.3 ast per Turkish league season; 48.9 % three-point shooting.
- A.J. Johnson – 2023-draft guard, averaged 3.9 pts in three NBA seasons.
- Masai Ujiri – Mavericks president, noted affinity for scoring forwards.
- Dusty May – Head coach, expected to deploy Aldama in multiple lineups.
- P.J. Washington – Forward whose role is questioned after the trade.
- Daniel Gafford – Veteran center linked to ongoing trade speculation.
Numbers and Contracts
Aldama’s 2025-26 season produced 14.0 pts, 6.7 reb, 2.9 ast on 35 % three-point shooting (4.7 attempts). Sources differ on his contract: one report lists a three-year, $34 million deal through 2028 with a team option for the final year; other outlets cite a $17 million per-year salary with a team option for the second season. Biberovic shot 44 % from distance for Fenerbahçe and 48.9 % from three in the Turkish league. Dallas will absorb Aldama’s $17 million salary under its existing trade exception.
Impact on the Mavericks
Aldama provides floor-spacing, a three-level scoring threat, and the ability to play both power forward and center. His presence could render P.J. Washington expendable, as both occupy similar roles but Aldama offers superior shooting. The addition deepens the rotation, potentially prompting further moves involving Gafford, Daniel Lively II, or other frontcourt assets. The trade aligns with Ujiri’s stated goal of surrounding Flagg with shooters.
Official Statements & Responses
Mavericks president Masai Ujiri reiterated his preference for versatile, scoring forwards, noting Aldama fits that profile. Head coach Dusty May said the new acquisition will be used in “multiple lineups to maximize spacing and transition offense.” The Grizzlies’ front office emphasized the value of future draft assets and the financial flexibility gained from the deal.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts warn that Dallas now faces a “traffic jam” at power forward/center, with Washington, Gafford, Lively II, and Aldama competing for minutes. Some view the Grizzlies’ return—a protected pick that may become a second-rounder and two modest second-rounders—as modest compensation for a player entering his prime. Concerns also linger about Aldama’s defensive limitations, especially guarding mobile forwards.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Contract details for Aldama vary between a $34 million total deal through 2028 and a $17 million annual salary with a team option. Sources also differ on the exact protection status of the 2030 pick, though all agree it is top-20 protected and reverts to a second-rounder if not conveyed. No official comment from the Grizzlies clarifies these points.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks for AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 Warriors first-round pick and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.” — Eurohoops report
- “Biberovic, 25, shot 44% from distance for Fenerbahce…” — Jake Fischer, Twitter, June 22 2026
- “Grizzlies: B+ I give the Grizzlies a B+, which might seem high based on the package Memphis got from the Mavericks.” — Landon Speck, SI analysis
- “Dallas Mavericks: B- I do not think either side necessarily won or lost this deal, as it is a fairly even swap.” — Landon Speck, SI analysis
- “The move gives the Mavericks more scoring off the bench and a big man who can space the floor.” — Mavsmoneyball analysis
What’s Next
Dallas must decide whether to retain P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford as the roster solidifies. The team’s qualifying offer to Moussa Cissé and the status of the 2030 pick will shape future flexibility. Early-season evaluations of Aldama’s fit with Flagg and the broader frontcourt will likely dictate additional trade activity before the regular season begins.
