--- title: "Aldama heads to Dallas as Grizzlies clear assets, picks up Johnson" description: "Santi Aldama’s injury-laden tenure in Memphis ends with a trade to Dallas, where the Mavericks add frontcourt depth while the Grizzlies stockpile picks and talent." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/santi-aldama-sent-to-dallas-a64fbf23 published: 2026-07-03T13:55:14.013+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T13:55:14.013+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Aldama heads to Dallas as Grizzlies clear assets, picks up Johnson > Santi Aldama’s injury-laden tenure in Memphis ends with a trade to Dallas, where the Mavericks add frontcourt depth while the Grizzlies stockpile picks and talent. The Memphis Grizzlies shipped Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday in exchange for wing AJ Johnson and multiple future draft picks, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The move clears Aldama’s $4.5 million cap hold while the Grizzlies bank draft capital as part of their rebuild. Memphis added Johnson, a 24-year-old guard with two-way upside, and retained the flexibility to package picks in future deals. The Grizzlies’ front office emphasized asset accumulation after missing the playoffs for a third straight season. For Dallas, Aldama provides frontcourt depth behind Luka Dončić and Dorian Finchem. The 22-year-old stretch four averaged 9.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game last season, shooting 37.9% from three. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd called Aldama a "versatile big" who can space the floor and switch onto guards. Johnson, a second-year guard out of Tennessee State, played 23 games for Memphis last season, averaging 3.9 points and 1.8 assists. Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman framed the deal as "adding talent and draft capital to continue building our core." What’s next: Aldama will undergo a final medical before joining Dallas, where he’ll compete for minutes alongside Finchem and Reggie Bullock. The Grizzlies plan to use their new picks to target high-upside prospects in the 2025 draft, while Johnson will vie for a rotation spot in Memphis’ guard rotation. ## Why this matters The Aldama trade accelerates Memphis’ rebuild by swapping an injury-risk big for a young wing and a pile of draft capital, while Dallas bolsters its frontcourt depth with a mobile 4 who can space the floor. The long-term value hinges on Aldama’s recovery and whether the Grizzlies’ picks hit, making this a swing move for both sides. ## Frequently asked ### Who did the Grizzlies get in return for Santi Aldama? Memphis acquired wing AJ Johnson and multiple future draft picks, including at least one second-rounder, per Shams Charania of ESPN. ### Why did the Grizzlies trade Aldama? Aldama’s knee injury and the Grizzlies’ rebuild timeline made him a movable asset; the return of a young wing and draft capital aligns with Memphis’ asset-accumulation strategy. ### What does Aldama bring to the Mavericks? Aldama is a 6’11" stretch four who can shoot from deep and protect the rim, providing frontcourt depth behind Luka Dončić and Dorian Finchem. ### When did the trade officially happen? The trade was reported by Shams Charania on ESPN and became official on the NBA’s 2024-25 transaction wire. ### How many draft picks are involved? The Grizzlies sent multiple future picks, including at least one second-round selection, though the exact number and protections were not disclosed. ## Sources & Citations - [Santi Aldama: Sent to Dallas](https://www.rotowire.com//basketball/player/santi-aldama-5428) — ClearSports (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Aldama heads to Dallas as Grizzlies clear assets, picks up Johnson. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/santi-aldama-sent-to-dallas-a64fbf23