Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri hasn't been too shy about making magic this offseason. That's what happened when he traded away AJ Johnson to get Memphis Grizzlies 7-footer, Santi Aldama.
That's because the Grizzlies just got their so-called Aldama replacement, and that's former Golden State Warriors big man Quentin Post, according to reports. The Post signing isn't official yet, as the Warriors do have a chance to match an offer and keep him, but if it stands, the Aldama signing for Dallas looks so much better for the Mavericks' side.
Aldama is a 7-footer who's only gotten better over the years and has only improved his confidence in slashing and shooting. He's not going to start, but he's going to be a key backup and may even get more minutes with Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington trade rumors getting more real.
Santi Aldama trade to Dallas looks much better with Grizzlies' Quinten Post signing
The Grizzlies are in a similar boat to Dallas. They're in rebuild mode, trying to find the right pieces around Cam Boozer. It's not a bad signing if you're the Grizzlies, but they replaced Aldama, an established big man, with a younger piece who's still trying to find his niche in the league.
The Grizzlies seem to be in a much younger direction, and while Aldama is still considered a young guy, it's clear that Boozer will be the face of this team.
The Mavericks are also looking in a "younger" direction with Cooper Flagg, but Ujiri clearly doesn't mind putting Flagg around established veterans like Kyrie Irving. That's a lot different from the Grizzlies' standpoint, as they seem to be going in a full rebuild mode, thanks to them trading away Ja Morant.
But for Aldama, he's still a young guy to provide a stretch four identity for a team badly in need. Aldama shot 37 percent from deep in the 2024-25 season. The Mavericks could really use his type of 3-point shooting and spacing, which the Mavs have missed.
Also, while everybody keeps talking about the Michigan connection with Dusty May and Morez Johnson Jr., the Spain connection is right there too. Sergio De Larrea has been a lights-out shooter from Valencia, shooting around 40 percent from deep. He also personally knows Aldama and is only going to help the true Mavericks' Achilles heel.
The Grizzlies getting Post isn't bad for their team, but the Mavericks look like they are winning with Aldama, as we can officially call this their unofficial Aldama replacement.
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