Mavericks acquires veteran wing that fits their new timeline

On February 5, 2025By Littum

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – January 10: Caleb Martin #16 by Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball … (+) Against CJ McCollum #3 of New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center on January 10, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pelicans defeated the 76s 123-115. Note to the user: User expresses and expressly accepts that the user, by downloading and/or using this photograph, accepts the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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Dallas Mavericks shocked the basketball world on Saturday and traded Luka Doncic, the face of their franchise, to Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that practically didn’t see anyone coming.

According to Espns Ramona Shelburne and Tim Macmahon, even Danny Ainge, CEO of Utah Jazz, the third team involved in the deal, Had only approx. 30 minutes notice He helped ease a blockbuster trade centered around Doncic and Anthony Davis.

Swapping a 25-year-old five-time all-NBA election of the first team to a soon-to-be 32-year-old shrinking Dallas’ championship window significantly and placing a prize on trying to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy in the next few years. Their other star player, Kyrie Irving, will be 33 next month.

As Mavericks make watch list that matches their new timeline, They have acquired Caleb Martin From the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Quentin Grimes per. Espns Shams Charania. Dallas will also send Sixers back the latter choice of 2025 second round.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – January 10: Caleb Martin #16 by Philadelphia 76ers dribbles … (+) Ball against New Orleans Pelicans in Wells Fargo Center on January 10, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pelicans defeated the 76s 123-115. Note to the User: User expresses and expressly accepts that the user, by downloading and/or using this photograph, accepts the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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Martin, 29, is five years younger than Grimes. The former was an average of 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 31 games with Philadelphia this season. He also converted at 37.9 percent of the 2.8 triangles he raised per day. Competition. It includes a season high 23 points in the 76ers’ Christmas win over Boston Celtics, where Martin made a career-best seven triangles on nine attempts.

The six foot-five wing is under contract for $ 8.6 million next season and $ 9 million for the 2026-27 campaign. Martin has a player setting worth $ 9.4 million for 2027-28.

Grimes, which Mavericks was unable to reach an extension before the season, produces 10.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per day. Match this season. He knocks 39.8 percent of the 4.3 triangles he launches.

The previous election of the first round that started his career with New York Knicks is on a $ 4.3 million contract.

The 76s, taking this step for a younger player with a similar profile like Martin, could signal what direction they will go before Thursday’s trading deadline.

Guerschon Yabusele has reportedly drawn interest from Celtics, among several playoff teams. Since the beginning of January, the six-foot-eight 29-year-old Power Forward, who is capable of playing center, has an average of 16 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steal. He also converts 4.3 three-point attempt at a clip of 43.3 percent.

As far as Mavericks can do before Thursday’s trading deadline, they have their first round of elections in this year’s draft and Lakers’ 2029 round 1 selection, which is unprotected. They have also traded players (TPEs) that include a value of $ 11 million. It was created in the agreement with Los Angeles, where Dallas sent Maxi Kleber and his $ 11 million salary to LA.

Nico Harrison, Mavericks’ General Manager, could try to lure teams by offering a younger talent like Olivier-Maxence Prosper or Jaden Hardy and maybe draft capital and spending this $ 11 million TPE to absorb a higher salary than what one of These two do.

What is clear is the move for Martin reflects an organization that understands the urgent character it will work with to try to win a championship in the next few seasons and that they will act accordingly.