Dallas Mavericks Acquire Caleb Martin from 76ers in Trade for Quentin Grimes and 2025 Second-Round Pick
After the stunning trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks aren’t slowing down. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Mavs have secured forward Caleb Martin from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for shooting guard Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick originally owned by the Sixers. This deal marks another significant move for Dallas as they retool their roster in the wake of their superstar’s departure.
The Motivation Behind the Trade
The motivation for the Philadelphia 76ers’ decision to part ways with Martin is linked to the 2025 second-round pick they receive in return. NBA insider Marc Stein explained that this pick was originally sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the 2021 trade that brought veteran point guard George Hill to the Sixers. Given Philadelphia’s struggles this season, particularly due to injuries to key players, the 76ers opted to make this move to gain future assets and some financial flexibility.
For Dallas, this trade represents another move to reshape their roster following Dončić’s exit. Caleb Martin provides much-needed depth and versatility on the wing, and his experience with an injury-riddled 76ers team this season could help stabilize the Mavericks’ rotation.
Caleb Martin’s Impact on Dallas
In his first season with Philadelphia, Martin appeared in 31 games, starting 24 of them. He averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 37.9% from beyond the arc. His most notable performance came on Christmas Day, when he exploded for 23 points on 7-of-9 shooting from three in a thrilling win against the Boston Celtics.
Martin will join a Mavericks team looking to adapt without their former star, Luka Dončić. Dallas now ranks eighth in the Western Conference with a 26-24 record, and the addition of Martin helps strengthen their depth. The 29-year-old forward, known for his defensive versatility and ability to space the floor, will likely fit seamlessly into the Mavericks’ rotation. He will also bring with him valuable playoff experience from his time with the Miami Heat.
Philadelphia’s New Look with Quentin Grimes
The 76ers’ return in this deal—Quentin Grimes and the second-round pick—also signals a shift in their roster strategy. Grimes, a 24-year-old guard, has been a solid contributor for Dallas, averaging 10.2 points per game and shooting a career-high 40% from three-point range this season. His defense and ability to stretch the floor will be an asset to the 76ers, especially alongside their star duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Grimes also enters the final year of his contract, making him a restricted free agent after the season. The Sixers will likely prioritize re-signing him, adding another promising young piece to their roster for the future.
The Mavericks’ Future in a Post-Dončić Era
This trade is just the latest in what could be a series of moves for the Mavericks as they begin their journey without Dončić. Following the huge swap for Anthony Davis and a potential reshaped roster, Dallas may not be done making trades before Thursday’s deadline. With new leadership and fresh faces, the Mavericks are gearing up for the future and looking to remain competitive in the loaded Western Conference.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas and their next steps as they look to navigate a new era of Mavericks basketball.
