Mavericks' upcoming signing will make the Santi Aldama trade an even bigger steal

Earlier this month, the Dallas Mavericks traded for Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama in exchange for AJ Johnson, a heavily protected 2030 first-round pick, and two second-round picks. This move seemed like a steal right away, given that Dallas dumped an unplayable player in Johnson while finally adding a big man who can effectively space the floor. The cost to do this was low-end draft capital, and Aldama joins an already-stacked frontcourt that needed a player of his skill set.

Aldama is poised to have a role off the bench next season, but this trade is about to turn into a landslide in Dallas' favor due to an aspect of the move that not many fans realized at first. The Mavericks acquired the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic in this deal, and according to a recent report, Dallas will sign him to a two-year deal to join their 15-man roster. He's not going to be a draft-and-stash prospect. Biberovic is joining the Mavericks this summer.

Mavericks set to sign Biberovic to two-year deal

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, "Dallas is expected to sign Biberovic to a two-year, $6 million deal with a team option in Year 2." The Mavericks have to wait until the Aldama trade is finalized before making this move, but fans can rest assured that Biberovic will be playing for Dallas next season. They got their guy.

Many Mavericks fans didn't know what to expect when seeing that his draft rights were included in the deal, but Dallas clearly didn't go after him for no reason. They envisioned him as a player they'd have on their roster as soon as next season, and Stein's reporting confirms the rumors that he'll be leaving Fenerbahce for the NBA.

Biberovic's 3-point shooting is worth the hype

While many prospects coming over from Europe have a lot of learning to do before playing real minutes in the NBA, Biberovic already seems NBA-ready. He just averaged 12.3 points per game while shooting 48.9 percent from three on 5.2 attempts per game for Fenerbahce last season. Biberovic was one of the most electrifying shooters in Europe, and Dallas desperately needed another shooter after being one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA last season.

For reference of how impressive this is, not a single NBA player who played at least 41 games in the 2025-26 season shot above 43.5 percent from three while shooting at least 5.0 threes per game. If Biberovic continues the dominance that he showcased in Europe, he's on track to be one of the best young shooters in the NBA.

The Mavs' trade for Aldama looked good before Biberovic was even signed. Now that this deal is all but confirmed, Dallas' trade with the Grizzlies is looking like a massive steal that should give the Mavericks' bench shooting a major boost as they begin a new era under Dusty May.

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