Mavs make draft-day trade to acquire French forward Melvin Ajinca from Knicks

Mavs Make Draft-Day Trade for Forward Melvin Ajinca

The Dallas Mavericks have acquired forward Melvin Ajinca from the New York Knicks in a draft-day trade. Ajinca, a promising young player from France’s top basketball league, was selected by the Knicks with the 51st overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.

Background

A product of Saint-Quentin in the French top division, Ajinca gained attention for his versatility and defensive potential. His combination of length, mobility, and shooting touch made him an appealing choice for NBA scouts, particularly given his rapid improvement over recent seasons.

The Trade

After being drafted, Ajinca’s rights were traded to the Mavericks as part of an agreement finalized on draft night. The deal aims to strengthen Dallas’s young core and add international talent to its lineup. Team officials highlighted Ajinca’s athleticism, defensive mindset, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

Ajinca’s Profile

At 6-foot-8, Ajinca is known for his high energy, defensive presence, and improving perimeter shot. He spent recent seasons developing in France’s professional system, where he established himself as one of the top young forwards in the league.

“Melvin brings a lot of potential and fits our vision for the next few years,” said a Mavericks representative. “We’re excited to see how he grows within our program.”

Outlook

The Mavericks expect Ajinca to join the team for summer workouts and training camp. His arrival adds depth and youthful enthusiasm to a roster focused on both immediate competitiveness and long-term development.

Author’s summary: Dallas trades for French forward Melvin Ajinca, adding a skilled and athletic international prospect to bolster their evolving young roster.

more

NBA NBA — 2025-11-28

More News