Mavericks' already-hot trade rumor bound to intensify after Santi Aldama move

Free agency is underway, and the Dallas Mavericks have been quietly working up a plan to build around Cooper Flagg. The Mavs know they must focus on specific weaknesses from last season, including adding 3-point shooting and size inside. While Mavs fans are hoping for a big name, the organization made its first big move on Wednesday, solving multiple major issues.

The Mavericks acquired Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama and the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic for AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick, and two second-round picks. It's a move that now stabilizes the Mavs' frontcourt, which spells bad news for Daniel Gafford.

He has now been discussed in trade talks three separate times as a Maverick; this could be the last straw, with the team now having a plethora of frontcourt depth. The acquisition of Aldama will likely make these rumors even more pressing, as he can play small-ball five and add a new layer to the offense that Gafford can't provide. Trade speculation surrounding Gafford will now intensify, as Aldama can play small-ball center while bringing a skill set Gafford simply can't provide.

Gafford's days seem numbered

As mentioned, Daniel Gafford is no stranger to trade rumors. The Mavericks dangled Gafford in trade talks before each of the last two trade deadlines, but talks stalled, and no deals happened. The Mavs' recent trade for Santi Aldama could change everything, though, as he'll be the ideal player to play alongside or even behind Dereck Lively II.

Gafford was a huge asset to Dallas during their title run in 2024. He became a primary starter and lob threat for the team. Yet, since the trade of Luka Doncic, Gafford has not been the same. Injuries and congestion inside have been the main issues, forcing the team to consider moving him.

Last season, Gafford missed 27 games as injuries began to pile up. He sat out the entire preseason and the first five games of the season, dealing with a right ankle sprain that he suffered during training camp. The injury progressively worsened, as he was out for five games in December and four games in late January. He then suffered a shoulder injury in April, missing the final four games of the season.

The Mavs couldn't catch a break, as Gafford's injuries became too much to bear. It's the perfect reason to move on from the veteran center. Plus, with the recent trade for Aldama, there may not be space for Gafford. Lively II is expected to return this season, and if things go according to plan, then Gafford could be out the door.

Plus, Dallas has shown interest in bringing back Moussa Cisse. The team recently extended him a qualifying offer, hoping he comes back for another season. Assuming Cisse returns, there would be no room for Gafford at the table.

Aldama solves some of Gafford's major flaws

If Daniel Gafford is gone before the start of next season, as many expect, then Santi Aldama is the perfect man to replace his production. The former Grizzly has all the skills to boost the Mavericks' roster. His slept-on defensive presence and offensive game could help Dallas turn things around.

He is a decent help-side rim protector unafraid to use his length inside when rotating over. One key example is his final game with Memphis last season. He played 24 minutes against the Sacramento Kings and recorded six rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. His rebounding capabilities allowed Memphis to shut down Sacramento from creeping up on their lead.

Although his defense isn't the only thing he brings to the table, Aldama's offensive game is what will really make life easier for Cooper Flagg.

The 7-footer can easily space the floor in different ways. He has great vision and playmaking, which translates to precise decision-making on the perimeter. This creates open opportunities for his teammates, as he can find them with his great passing instincts. Not to mention, Aldama excels in pick-and-roll opportunities as a passer out of the short roll.

While Gafford is a good scorer in the pick-and-roll, he doesn't posses the same playmaking as Aldama.

His shooting will be another big difference. The newest Mav can easily knock down long-range shots, unlike Gafford. He is unafraid to let it fly. Last season, he made 35 percent of his 3-point attempts. Aldama had multiple games shooting at 100 percent, illustrating his impact on the court.

The trade already seems like a win for Dallas due to the skills mentioned. The team finally found their backup big man for Dereck Lively II, opening the door for the Mavericks to move on from Daniel Gafford, a long-overdue trade.

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