Mavericks’ notoriously hated trade is quietly flipping the script right on time

The Dallas Mavericks held on for a gritty 107–105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, handing last season’s NBA Finals runners-up their fourth straight loss to open the season. Brandon Williams unexpectedly led the way for Dallas with 20 points, while Mavs rookie sensation Cooper Flagg continued his impressive start to the season, logging his second career double-double in just five games.

However, the night wasn’t all positive. Anthony Davis exited early with yet another lower leg injury, leaving Mavericks fans with an all-too-familiar sense of unease about his durability.

Despite the mixed emotions, Dallas got a much-needed boost from its supporting cast, as D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, and Caleb Martin all chipped in to help the scoring burden.

Early signs suggest the Mavericks' Martin trade may actually pay off

Martin, who played just 13 minutes off the bench, made the most of his time. He knocked down a couple of key shots, including a clutch three late in the third that helped seal the win, as well as another long jumper in which he had his toe on the 3-point line. It wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer, but it was the kind of steady, situational impact Dallas envisioned when they controversially traded for him.

Nico Harrison thought that Martin would immediately become the team's best perimeter stopper when they traded for him, and he has shown signs of being that this season. In the short stints that Jason Kidd has played him this season, he fights hard through screens, plays airtight defense on the perimeter, and has even spent time guarding the other teams' best players. This, combined with some confidence shooting the rock from downtown, is definitely a good sign as he looks to have a bounce-back season.

As we know, the Mavericks sent Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Martin. The move was met with heavy skepticism. Grimes had been outperforming expectations, quickly winning over fans as a young, homegrown player from Texas who fit the team’s defensive-minded, high-effort identity. Losing him in a contract year where he was set to command a significant raise left fans questioning the front office’s priorities.

Martin, on the other hand, arrived as a 29-year-old veteran coming off a down year in Philly. He was older, less explosive, and viewed as a short-term plug rather than a long-term piece.

But nights like this suggest the trade might not have been as short-sighted as it first appeared. Martin has carved out minutes early in the season under Kidd, who’s used him as a defensive wing. His confidence in the corner and ability to switch across multiple positions give Dallas a steady presence off the bench.

If Martin continues to build on performances like tonight’s, he could shift the perception of this deal entirely. While the Mavericks may have lost a young fan favorite in Grimes, they might have gained a veteran who knows exactly how to contribute when it matters most. Stay tuned for the latest on the Mavericks.