Team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz are trading for Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama, multiple people familiar with the deal told The Dallas Morning News. Dallas will send guard AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 Golden State Warriors first-round pick and two future second-round picks to Memphis in the move first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 7-foot Aldama has spent the first five seasons of his NBA career in Memphis, appearing in 278 games for the Grizzlies. The Spanish forward has averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists throughout his career. His 2025-26 season ended in March when he had an arthroscopic procedure to address discomfort in his right knee, but he is expected to be ready for next season.
As the roster stands, Aldama provides the Mavericks with a stretch big to complement Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. He’s built a reputation for being a reliable 3-point shooter during his time in Memphis, averaging 34.6% on 4.1 attempts per game. His versatility offers Dallas a different skillset in the frontcourt than it is accustomed to, because centers Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II excel best on offense as rim runners and lob threats.
Last season, Aldama reached his career high of 37 points twice within four days in December games against the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.
Johnson’s time in Dallas ends after he played in just 23 games, averaging 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assist.
Johnson was acquired along with Marvin Bagley III and Khris Middleton at February’s trade deadline in the eight-player blockbuster that sent Anthony Davis to the Wizards. The deal, orchestrated by former co-general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, created a $20.8 million trade exception that allows Dallas to absorb Aldama’s $17 million contract, which has two seasons left. Johnson also has two years remaining on his deal and is set to earn $3.2 million next season.
Biberovic, a Bosnian forward who plays for Turkish club Fenerbahçe in Europe, has yet to appear in an NBA game.
Aldama is the latest frontcourt player to join the Mavericks’ long list of forwards/centers, including Flagg, Gafford, Lively, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin and No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson Jr., not to mention second-round pick Tobi Lawal. The logjam suggests there could be more moves to make, especially as the Mavericks remain with a need for an additional ball handler.
It took more than 24 hours into free agency, but the front office duo of Ujiri and Schmitz has officially joined the trade season party.