From Dallas Mavericks On SI · · 1m 50s
Mavericks' quiet trade could fix their biggest problem
Dallas traded for two shooters to address last season's three-point struggles.
In brief
Dallas traded for two shooters to address last season's three-point struggles. The Mavericks addressed their worst weakness by acquiring two quality three-point shooters for minimal cost. Originally reported by Dallas Mavericks On SI.
Mavericks made big moves this offseason
Dallas hired a new head coach, new front office, drafted Morez Johnson Jr. 9th overall, and refused to trade Kyrie Irving. But their quietest move may matter most.
The trade nobody noticed
Dallas traded a Warriors top-20 protected pick from 2030, second-round picks, and A.J. Johnson to Memphis for Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic.
Trading away a non-rotation player
A.J. Johnson wasn't going to play for Dallas anyway. He was immediately traded to New Orleans, showing how little value he had.
Addressing the three-point problem
Last season, the Mavericks struggled badly from three-point range. These two additions directly fix that weakness.
Aldama brings shooting and defense
The seven-footer shot 35% from three last season and offers defensive versatility similar to prime Maxi Kleber. That's rare for a big man.
Biberovic was a world-class shooter
The Turkish league star played for Fenerbahce and was one of the best shooters globally. He's a high-volume shooter who could earn immediate rotation minutes.
Signed for cheap with team option
Multiple NBA teams wanted Biberovic, but Dallas signed him to just a two-year, six million dollar deal with a team option on year two.
Thompson buyout opened the door
Dallas bought out Klay Thompson to let him join Miami, freeing up wing minutes for Biberovic and other shooters.
A major win for Dallas depth
The Mavericks added quality rotation players while giving up someone who might leave the league soon. This improves their back-end depth and shooting.
The big picture
The Mavericks addressed their worst weakness by acquiring two quality three-point shooters for minimal cost.
