If you call Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison right now, he might agree to a trade out of reflex.
Harrison and the Mavericks took advantage of their road game in Philadelphia to make a convenient trade. Dallas sent 24-year-old guard Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers for 29-year-old small forward Caleb Martin, continuing its remaking of the team days after shipping franchise player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Grimes may have been considered expendable after the Mavericks added Max Christie in the Doncic deal. He’s also a restricted free agent after this season.
He was having a solid season for Dallas after it acquired him in a cost-saving move that sent Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons. Grimes is averaging 10.2 points per game and shooting 39.8% from three-point range in 47 games for the Mavericks this season, including 12 starts.
Martin started 24 of his 31 games for the Sixers this season, averaging 9.1 points and shooting 37.9% on threes. That’s right in line with his career numbers, but amid a disappointing, injury-filled season, the 19-29 Sixers may be looking to cut bait on Martin’s four-year, $28M contract.
Perhaps Dallas wanted to lock in Martin’s cost certainty while giving itself some forward depth, or as another option besides Naji Marshall, who’s been disappointing after it signed him to replace for Derrick Jones, Jr. before this season.
Or Harrison can’t help making a trade when another GM calls. At least this trade is more logical than the Doncic deal.