Sports

Mavericks found an unexpected way to flip Anthony Davis into Santi Aldama

Nairavoice · Jul 2, 2026 · 2 min read

Mavericks found an unexpected way to flip Anthony Davis into Santi Aldama originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Dallas Mavericks strengthened their frontcourt on Wednesday by acquiring Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies. As part of the deal, Dallas received Aldama along with the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic, while Memphis acquired guard AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick (via the Golden State Warriors, top-20 protected), and two future second-round selections.

Aldama is entering the first season of the three-year, $52.5 million contract extension he signed last offseason. Because the Mavericks absorbed his contract using a trade exception, they were not required to match salaries or send any key rotation players to Memphis as part of the transaction.

Interestingly, every asset Dallas included in the trade originated from the package it previously received in the Anthony Davis deal. The Mavericks utilized the trade exception generated from that transaction, along with AJ Johnson and the 2030 first-round pick acquired in the same deal, to complete the move for Aldama.

NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan highlighted the financial structure of the trade, sharing that Dallas successfully flipped Davis for Aldama without sacrificing members of its current rotation.

“The Dallas Mavericks will absorb Santi Aldama into their $20.8 million Anthony Davis trade exception. They will also send out AJ Johnson and the 2030 Warriors first, both of which they also got for Davis. They essentially flipped Davis for Aldama,” Gozlan wrote.

Before his season was cut short by a right knee arthroscopic procedure in mid-March, Aldama was enjoying the best season of his NBA career. He averaged career highs of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while emerging as one of Memphis’ most versatile frontcourt players.

Though the knee procedure ended Aldama’s season early, the Mavericks have little reason for concern regarding his availability. He is expected to make a full recovery and be fully healthy in time for the start of the 2026-27 season.