Mavs looks like the clear winner of the Santi Aldama trade after Memphis settles for unproven big man

The Dallas Mavericks made a big move on July 1 by trading for Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama. One week later, the deal looks even better for the franchise.

To land Aldama, Dallas sent guard AJ Johnson, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks to the Grizzlies. The Mavericks also secured the draft rights to EuroLeague forward Tarik Biberović in the transaction.

Aldama was putting together a career year before a knee injury ended his season in mid-March. He averaged 14 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 35% from deep. He is expected to be fully healthy for training camp and will provide crucial floor spacing for a frontcourt featuring rookie Cooper Flagg.

The deal already looked like a fair swap on paper. Memphis picked up valuable draft capital, while Dallas took on the remainder of Aldama's three-year, $52.5 million contract. Moving AJ Johnson made sense for Dallas, as he was viewed mostly as a depth piece. But how Memphis plans to replace Aldama's frontcourt minutes is what tips this trade in the Mavericks' favor.

The Grizzlies are signing Golden State restricted free agent Quentin Post to a three-year offer sheet. This big man spent last season trying to secure a consistent role on the Warriors' depth chart. Swapping a proven 7-footer coming off a career year for an unproven big man is undoubtedly a risky bet for Memphis.

Restricted free agent Quinten Post is signing a three-year, $30 million contract offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. The Golden State Warriors have until 11:59pm ET on Tuesday to match. pic.twitter.com/cLdHmUcEgo

That gap makes Dallas' side of the ledger look much better. Aldama gives the Mavs a reliable stretch big to plug in immediately at a manageable price point. Memphis, meanwhile, is left replacing a 14-point scorer with a developmental piece, turning an even-looking trade into an early win for Dallas.

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