Injuries Hinder Mavericks’ Progress
Injuries have prevented Nico Harrison’s vision of a defensive juggernaut from coming to fruition in Dallas.
The Mavericks general manager acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Caleb Martin in separate trades for Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. However, those deadline deals haven’t yielded immediate results. Davis and Martin’s inability to remain on the floor consistently, coupled with other significant injuries such as Kyrie Irving’s torn left ACL, leave Dallas clinging to the 10th seed in the Western Conference.
Trade Reminders
There have been daily reminders of the transformational deals since they were completed in early February. One night, Doncic appears to be finding his footing in Los Angeles with the Lakers. On others, Grimes is stacking career scoring performances on a struggling Philadelphia team.
Grimes is coming off a career-high 46 points in an overtime loss to the Houston Rockets, one night after dropping 28 to help his Sixers beat the Mavericks. Simultaneously, Martin was confined to the bench because of a right hip strain — the same injury that delayed his Mavericks debut by over a month.
Mavericks’ Situation
Martin, a veteran wing who the Mavericks hoped would become a defensive upgrade, has played just five games with his new team, while Grimes is thriving with his newfound opportunity on a depleted 76ers squad.
Martin spoke with The Dallas Morning News about the trade shortly after his debut against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 7. He anticipated a trade was in the works given his unavailability and the 76ers inability to meet preseason expectations.
“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.”
Pressure on Martin
In a perfect world, there wouldn’t be any pressure on Martin to contribute immediately but the Mavericks’ season has been everything else but the idea of perfection. The trade was orchestrated with the intention that Irving and Davis would be healthy. Daniel Gafford hadn’t sprained his right knee at that point either.
Ideally, Martin would’ve been able to ease into a wing rotation with P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall, who are leading the current iteration of the wounded Mavericks.
Martin averaged 9.1 points in 31 games with the 76ers, who he signed with in the offseason after three seasons with the Miami Heat. His veteran leadership, which includes a NBA Finals appearance in 2023, gives Dallas another voice that has reached the highest level.
Grimes’ Performance
Grimes, who entered the season on an expiring contract, wanted to bet on himself at the beginning of the year. The fourth-year wing and the Mavericks couldn’t come to an agreement on terms for a rookie scale extension before the season started, meaning he will become a restricted free agent this summer.
Grimes is averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists with the 76ers, compared to his 10.2, 3.8 and 2.1 line with the Mavericks. His opportunity to have a prominent presence on the ball with Philadelphia is what he envisioned when he was traded to Dallas.
“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.”
Former Dallas Maverick and Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) passes the ball against Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) during the second half at the American Airlines March 16, 2025. The Mavericks lost, 130-125.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Conclusion
So far, it’s worked out for Grimes, who will enter a career-defining summer once the season ends. Only time will tell if the Mavericks can receive a similar return on their investment with Martin and a 2030 second-round pick.
X/Twitter: @MikeACurtis2
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FAQs
Q: What trades did the Mavericks make?
A: The Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Caleb Martin in separate trades for Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
Q: How has Quentin Grimes performed with the 76ers?
A: Grimes is averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists with the 76ers, compared to his 10.2, 3.8 and 2.1 line with the Mavericks.
Q: What is the status of Caleb Martin’s injury?
A: Martin is listed as out for Wednesday’s game in Indiana, his second straight game with a hip injury and 15th overall since the trade.
