Frontcourt logjam could force Mavs into a trade as rookie additions create crowded rotation

Dallas Mavericks keep adding size up front, and now it might have too much of it.

They acquired Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies on July 1, sending AJ Johnson, a Golden State Warriors top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick, and two future second-rounders to Memphis, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. 

Aldama was in the middle of a career year before a knee procedure ended his season in mid-March, finishing with averages of 14 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 35% from three across 43 games.

But the problem is that trade adds to an already packed roster. Dallas just used the ninth pick in the draft on Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr., joining a frontcourt that already has P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Tobi Lawal. Including Cooper Flagg, who will likely play power forward long-term, the Mavericks now have eight players fighting for the same few spots in the rotation.

This frontcourt is way too crowded. Kirk Henderson from Mavs Moneyball said the exact same thing while highlighting this as a red flag, calling it a major forward logjam and wondering what the team will do next. According to NBA experts like him, it seems like things don't work unless the Mavs make another trade. 

Aldama can shoot and defend multiple positions, so he needs to be on the floor. At the same time, rookie Morez Johnson Jr. proved he deserves playing time after exploding for 27 points in his first Summer League game. Plus, Flagg is going to eat up a massive chunk of minutes at power forward. 

With everyone healthy, veterans like P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, or Dereck Lively II might end up on the trade block just to clear some breathing room for the young guys.

New team president Masai Ujiri isn't afraid to shake up a roster. Nobody should be surprised if he pulls off another trade before training camp starts. It might be his only choice if he wants to fix this traffic jam inside the roster. 

More NBA news:

• Mavericks' backup point guard battle heating up fast between a proven playmaker and a first-round rookie
• Why Cavaliers fans think Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus leaked LeBron James' decision
• Mavericks complete blockbuster trade without giving up their biggest financial advantage
• Why Victor Wembanyama may leave money on table in new Spurs contract
• Crowded Mavericks frontcourt puts $90 million forward's future with team in serious doubt