Mavericks land Santi Aldama, add Willie Green to Dusty May’s staff

The Dallas Mavericks have acquired Santi Aldama in exchange for A.J. Johnson, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick that originally belonged to the Golden State Warriors and two second-round picks, according to DLLS’ Marc Stein.

Aldama, a 7-foot Spaniard, spent the first five years of his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies. He averaged 14 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season in Memphis while shooting 35% from 3 on 4.7 attempts per game. The 7-footer’s willingness to take 3-pointers will be immensely valuable to the Mavericks, who are building around the rim pressure Cooper Flagg provides.

The Rookie of the Year and Aldama, who is only 25 years old, should show synergy on the hardwood together. The versatile big man showed the ability to play with a slashing guard in Ja Morant and more traditional big men such as Zach Edey and Steven Adams.

He also played more than 2,000 minutes with former Grizzlies power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. A lineup with Mavericks rookie Morez Johnson Jr., Flagg and Aldama should provide unique versatility for Mavericks head coach Dusty May’s offensive scheme.

Aldama will make $17 million this upcoming season, and the Mavericks hold a $17 million team option on him for 2027-28.

Aldama has raised his scoring average every year he’s been in the NBA. He appeared in 278 games and started 82 times during his Memphis tenure.

The Mavericks acquired Johnson and the 2030 Warriors pick from the Washington Wizards as part of February’s Anthony Davis trade. Johnson appeared in 23 games for Dallas last season.

The Mavericks also added former New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green to the staff, according to Stein. Green becomes May’s top assistant and declined an opportunity on the Golden State Warriors bench in order to join May’s staff.

Green is 150-190 in his coaching career. He’s been an assistant coach under Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Suns coach Monty Williams.