Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) handles the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Brandon Dill/AP
The Dallas Mavericks will soon add another veteran player to their frontcourt.
Dallas is trading for Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama. The Spanish forward has been a steady presence throughout his time in the NBA, showcasing his skills as a stretch big with 3-point shooting ability.
Here are five things to know about Aldama:
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1. The basics
Full name: Santiago Aldama Toledo
Height: 7-0 Weight: 215 pounds
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College: Loyola (Maryland)
Hometown: Las Palmas, Spain
2. He has shown gradual improvement throughout his professional career
Before the Mavericks swung a trade with the Grizzlies, Aldama spent all five of his NBA seasons in Memphis. He was originally selected by the Utah Jazz in the 2021 NBA draft’s first round, but was later traded to the Grizzlies.
He was a key part of Memphis’ rotation in his five-season stint with the team, averaging 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He averaged a career-high 14.0 points in 2025-26.
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3. He once surprised NBA and college scouts with his school of choice
The Spanish forward played collegiately in the U.S. before entering the NBA. Where he chose to suit up was interesting.
Aldama played at Loyola (Maryland) from 2019-21. Loyola was a mid-major program in the Patriot League and Aldama was considered a four-star recruit by 247Sports. He ended up starting 26 games for the program in two seasons, averaging 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
According to a 2019 article from FIBA, Aldama was interested in Loyola because of its business and management programs.
“I really think studies are really important. Going to the US is an amazing opportunity to study and play basketball at the same time. In Loyola (University Maryland) they have a great team, we will do big things there, that’s why I chose to go there,” Aldama said.
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4. His dad was a basketball player, too
Aldama isn’t the only basketball player in his family. His father, Santiago Aldama, was a professional basketball player from 1987-2003. He mainly played in Spain, suiting up for clubs like CB Zaragoza, Huesca La Magia and CB Valladolid.
The elder Aldama also represented Spain at the 1992 Summer Olympics, the tournament where the United States’ “Dream Team” captured gold.
5. His last season in Memphis ended with an injury
Aldama’s 2025-26 season ended in March when he had an arthroscopic procedure to address discomfort in his right knee, but he is expected to be ready for next season.