In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks acquired the draft rights to the 51st overall pick Melvin Ajinça from the New York Knicks in exchange for the draft rights to the 58th overall pick Ariel Hukporti, the rights to Petteri Koponen (30th overall pick in 2007) and cash considerations.

The 20 year old forward spent the 2023-24 season with Saint-Quentin in France’s top league (LNB Pro A), and averaged 9.5 points (.481 FG%, .815 FT%) and 3.6 rebounds per game in 30 games. He was named the French LNB Pro B Best Young Player in 2022-23, after he averaged 8.5 points (.529 FG%, .394 3FG%, .848 FT%) and 2.0 rebounds in 33 games.

Ajinça is a 6’8” 3 & D player who is athletic and has upside. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison says the team doesn’t have a lot of roster spots so they have both options on the table, two-way player or stay overseas in Europe and figure it out “as we go”, with Ajinca being so young.