Instant reaction to Mavericks' out-of-nowhere trade for Caleb Martin

The Dallas Mavericks nearly broke the internet on Saturday night when they traded Luka Doncic, Markieff Morris, and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.

This was a move that no one expected, as Dallas had shown no signs that they wanted to trade Doncic, and even Doncic was shocked. He was almost asleep when he got the call that he would be traded to the Lakers, and he said he had to make sure it wasn't April Fool's Day.

After Dallas traded for Davis, it was clear that another move was coming soon. They couldn't roll with the roster they had and expect to make a deep playoff run, and the first move came on Tuesday afternoon shortly after the conclusion of Doncic's Lakers introductory press conference.

Mavericks send Quentin Grimes to the Sixers for Caleb Martin

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dallas is sending Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Caleb Martin. This second-round pick is expected to be one of the highest second-round picks in the league considering it's Philadelphia's pick, and they are one of the worst teams in the NBA.

With this move, Dallas adds a strong 3-and-D wing in Martin, but they lose a potential-packed young guard in Grimes. This trade came out of nowhere, as there were no rumors that linked Dallas to Martin this season, and Nico Harrison continues to make moves to try to fully solidify the roster ahead of the playoff push.

This season for the Sixers, Martin is averaging 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and a career-high 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from downtown. Martin made a name for himself in the 2023 NBA Playoffs for the Miami Heat when he averaged 19.3 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals, and his 3-point shooting, versatility, and ability to step up in big moments.

He isn't going to be the type of player who can create for himself like Grimes can, but his energy, effort, and perimeter defense should fit well into Harrison's defense-first approach. Martin's effectiveness is likely going to depend on how those around him can create for him, but he can attack closeouts and finish at the rim when needed, just like Grimes.

Grimes was showing tons of potential to take the next step in his career with Dallas, as his ability to create for himself and others off the dribble improved significantly over the first few months of the season. Over stretches of this season, he had turned into one of Dallas' most consistent bench players, and he was ecstatic to be a Maverick. Grimes grew up in Texas, and the trust that Jason Kidd and the organization instilled in him helped him take a major step in his development.

While this trade may seem marginal on the surface level, it could end up having major effects on both teams. This trade is a major bet against the Sixers since Dallas gave them their second-round pick back, and also a bet against Grimes. While Grimes will become a restricted free agent this summer, he showed all the signs that Dallas could get the most out of him when he was given the opportunity.

Grimes' defense in space, especially in big moments, was excellent for Dallas, and Mavericks fans will miss the athletic finishes, swarming defense, and hot 3-point shooting that he brought to the floor. With Martin, Dallas gains a proven playoff performer who gives them a bit more size, and all eyes will be on him whenever he makes his Mavericks debut.