Nico Harrison’s vision for the Mavericks as a defensive powerhouse has been derailed by injuries. The general manager made a series of trades in early February, bringing in Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and Caleb Martin while parting with Luka Dončić, Quentin Grimes, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. However, the deals haven’t paid off immediately, as both Davis and Martin have struggled to stay on the court. Combined with key injuries like Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL, the Mavericks are barely holding onto the 10th seed in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Grimes has flourished in Philadelphia, recently scoring a career-high 46 points in an overtime loss to the Rockets, following a 28-point performance against his former team, the Mavericks. In contrast, Martin, acquired to strengthen the Mavs’ defense, has played only five games due to a hip injury.
Martin on the Trade:
“I kind of had a feeling something might happen just because my injury happened and I hadn’t been able to play,” Martin said. “During that time, we had a lot of stuff going on over there so it wasn’t necessarily surprising. It is always kind of like a moment where you’re trying to let it settle in. It was bittersweet.”
The Mavericks initially planned for Martin to be part of a wing rotation with P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and Naji Marshall, but his injury has delayed those plans. Despite limited playing time, he has taken on a leadership role, offering defensive insights during timeouts.
“I’ve always been the type that if I see something, I say something,” Martin told The News. “I just feel like that’s a way I can impact the game, whether I’m playing or not.”
The Mavericks amended the trade after Martin’s injury issues became apparent, securing a 2030 second-round pick from the 76ers. Meanwhile, Grimes has taken full advantage of his opportunity, averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists with the 76ers—double what he was producing in Dallas.
Grimes on His New Role:
“I wanted to bet on myself as well going in thinking I’m going to have a big opportunity to come here,” Grimes said. “I just happened to be playing well. Trades happen at the end of the day. It all worked out in my favor. Can’t complain about it.”
With free agency looming, Grimes’ performance has set him up for a career-defining summer. Meanwhile, the Mavericks can only hope Martin recovers and provides the impact they envisioned when they made the trade.
What’s your take on the Mavs’ moves? Should they have kept Grimes?
