# Mavericks' quiet trade could fix their biggest problem

> Dallas traded for two shooters to address last season's three-point struggles.
- Title: Mavericks' quiet trade could fix their biggest problem
- Summary: Dallas traded for two shooters to address last season's three-point struggles. The Mavericks addressed their worst weakness by acquiring two quality…
- Keywords: dallas mavericks, santi aldama, tarik biberovic, three-point shooting, offseason trades, memphis grizzlies, nba, roster construction, shooting depth, sports, Mavericks', quiet
- Source: Dallas Mavericks On SI — https://si.com/nba/mavericks/onsi/dallas-mavericks-quietest-offseason-decision-may-be-their-most-important-
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:29:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dallas mavericks, santi aldama, tarik biberovic, three-point shooting, offseason trades, memphis grizzlies, nba, roster construction, shooting depth, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The Mavericks addressed their worst weakness by acquiring two quality three-point shooters for minimal cost.