DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks’ Aldama Trade Balloons Into Six-Team Blockbuster
The Dallas Mavericks officially finalized a six-team trade Wednesday, adding Marcus Sasser to the previously reported Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberović deal and sending Khris Middleton to Washington in a sign-and-trade.
- What’s the news? The Mavericks confirmed a six-team trade Wednesday, acquiring Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović’s draft rights and Marcus Sasser while sending AJ Johnson, two picks and Khris Middleton (via sign-and-trade) to Memphis and Washington.
- What changed from the original report? Wednesday’s announcement formalizes the framework DHJ first reported July 1, adding Sasser to the deal and resolving the Middleton question that had left Dallas’ roster count unsettled.
- Why does it matter? Aldama and Sasser fill immediate frontcourt and backcourt needs under Dusty May, while Biberović adds long-term wing depth and Middleton’s exit clears a logjam on the standard roster.
- What’s next? Biberović’s arrival timeline hinges on resolving his Fenerbahçe contract, and Dallas’ remaining offseason moves will determine its final 15-man roster.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks announced Wednesday their involvement in a six-team trade also including the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards.
Dallas acquired forward Santi Aldama and the draft rights to forward Tarik Biberović from Memphis, along with guard Marcus Sasser from Detroit. In exchange, Dallas sent guard AJ Johnson, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick (via Golden State) and a 2029 second-round pick (via Houston) to Memphis. The Mavericks also sent forward Khris Middleton and a 2033 second-round pick to Washington as part of a sign-and-trade.
Wednesday’s announcement formalizes and expands the framework Dallas Hoops Journal reported July 1, adding Sasser to the deal and resolving the Middleton question that had left the Mavericks’ roster count unsettled.
Santi Aldama Steps Into Dallas’ Frontcourt Rotation
Aldama (7-1, 235) joins Dallas after five seasons with the Grizzlies, where he averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 23.4 minutes across 278 games (82 starts). He shot 46.3% (1,088-2,349 FG) from the field and 34.6% (396-1,144 3FG) from 3-point range for his career.
The 25-year-old increased his scoring, rebounding and assist averages in each of his first five professional seasons, culminating in career highs of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 0.9 steals in 2025-26.
Utah selected the Las Palmas, Spain, native with the 30th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft before trading his rights to Memphis for Jared Butler, the No. 40 pick that year, and two future second-round picks. Aldama played two seasons at Loyola (Maryland), earning First Team All-Patriot League honors in 2021.
He has represented Spain in international competition since 2017 and played alongside fellow first-year Maverick Sergio De Larrea for the Spanish national team at EuroBasket 2025. Aldama will wear No. 34 in Dallas.
Tarik Biberović Arrives After Decorated Fenerbahçe Run
Biberović (6-7, 218) spent the past eight seasons with Fenerbahçe in Turkey, where he averaged 10.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 23.9 minutes in 2025-26 while shooting 39.9% (73-183 3FG) from 3-point range across 36 EuroLeague games.
The Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, native won four Turkish Super League titles (2022, 2024-26) and five Turkish Cups (2019, 2020, 2024-26) with Fenerbahçe, added a EuroLeague championship in 2025 and was named Turkish Cup Final MVP in 2026.
Also 25, Biberović was drafted by Memphis in the second round (56th overall) of the 2023 NBA Draft, and his rights now belong to Dallas.
Marcus Sasser Adds Backcourt Depth From Detroit
Sasser (6-2, 200) holds career averages of 7.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 15.8 minutes across 166 games (17 starts) with Detroit. He shot 43.1% (425-985 FG) from the field, 38.6% (192-498 3FG) from 3-point range and 85.9% (116-135 FT) from the foul line.
The 25-year-old was originally selected by Memphis with the 25th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft before his rights were traded to Boston as part of a three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Celtics and Marcus Smart to Memphis. Boston later dealt Sasser’s rights to Detroit for James Nnaji and two future second-round picks.
Khris Middleton, Draft Pick Head to Washington
Dallas’ outgoing return is completed by the sign-and-trade sending Middleton and a 2033 second-round pick to the Wizards, clearing the veteran forward’s spot on the Mavericks’ roster as part of the broader six-team framework.
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