Mavericks' trade season poised to be much crazier than expected after latest intel

The Dallas Mavericks finally found a way to win a game without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving earlier this week, as they took down the Los Angeles Lakers at home and snapped their five-game losing streak. This was a much-needed win for morale, as they seemingly hadn't been able to get anything right so far in 2025, and this helped create some momentum heading into their game against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.

While news for Dallas on the floor has been relatively quiet in 2025 considering both superstars are battling injuries, some more trade intel is starting to roll in from around the league. As was reported at the beginning of last month, the Mavericks are looking to trade Maxi Kleber ahead of the trade deadline, but their midseason moves may not end there.

Nico Harrison has been known for being aggressive in upgrading his team at the trade deadline over the last few years, and that looks like it will continue once again over the next month.

Mavericks are one of the busiest teams on the trade market

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Mavericks have been "one of the most active teams (subscription required) on the phones so far this trade season." Harrison is not going to settle for mediocrity, and to the surprise of many Mavericks fans, the team is looking to wheel and deal as much as anyone ahead of the second half of the season.

Dallas' midseason trades from last season for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford were groundbreaking as they both provided the team a major boost to help reach the NBA Finals, and another move or plethora of moves this season could provide similar results.

It has already been exemplified that the Mavericks are one of the best teams in the NBA when fully healthy, and one or two strong trades could be exactly what they need to secure the Western Conference Champions crown again. Outside of Kleber, Windhorst also reported that Quentin Grimes is another player on the Mavs who has "a market" ahead of the February 6 trade deadline, but trading him could have much more of an effect than the team trading Kleber.

Grimes has become irreplaceable for Dallas during their recent stretch without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and the Mavericks are likely regretting their decision oof not extend him before the season began. His contract situation was tricky to begin with considering that Dallas would have had to extend Grimes before he played a game, but he has quickly outplayed the rumored three-year, $27 million deal that was discussed in extension talks. His bet on himself is definitely paying off, and even his excellent numbers don't tell the full story when it comes to how great he has been for the Mavs.

Grimes is averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from downtown, and this time without Doncic and Irving has allowed him to display his full offensive bag, which could be a major attractant for teams around the league. During the offseason, Grimes having the chance to display his entire offensive game and create more for himself and others off the dribble was something that those in his corner were excited about when he was traded to Dallas, and he is getting to do that and more recently.

Grimes has dropped 20 points twice in the last three games, and he is continuously showing that he is much more than a 3-and-D wing. His 3-point shooting (against Los Angeles), playmaking, and defense have been evident recently, and he is making the Detroit Pistons regret trading him for virtually nothing. After this season, Grimes will become a restricted free agent, and his strong play is ensuring that he will be due a big payday, whether that is in Dallas or elsewhere.

Regardless of the new intel that surrounds Grimes regarding him drawing "a market" from teams around the league, he truly seems to enjoy playing for the Mavericks, as he is playing back in his home state for a head coach who trusts him immensely. Jason Kidd has put tons of confidence in Grimes recently to play his game and be himself, and this confidence is shared by his teammates as well.

P.J. Washington is someone in particular who has helped Grimes' first season in Dallas go smoothly, and he considers himself a "big brother" to Grimes. Washington and Grimes being locker mates has quietly built an inseparable bond, and they are both playing like they could be elite role players in Dallas for years to come.

Regardless of whether Dallas moves Grimes, fans should expect some sort of move to happen as it looks like they will stay busy up until the trade deadline. The rumors of the Mavericks being extremely active ahead of the deadline should excite fans, and another Nico Harrison masterpiece may be in the works in front of everyone's eyes.