The Dallas Mavericks continue to make waves in the NBA after a major shake-up of their roster.
Just days after shocking the basketball world by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a multi-team deal, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison struck another significant trade, this time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
A Busy Week for the Mavericks
On Tuesday, Harrison agreed to a trade that will send Quentin Grimes and a second-round pick to the 76ers in exchange for veteran forward Caleb Martin.
Although the deal hasn’t been officially finalized, a source confirmed the move to DailyMail.com.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This trade is especially interesting since the 76ers and Mavericks were set to face each other later that night, adding a layer of intrigue to their game.
Martin, who has played for the 76ers this season, was previously with the Miami Heat and had turned down more lucrative offers to join Philadelphia with hopes of chasing a championship alongside stars like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George.
He has averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 31 games this season, providing a strong defensive presence.
Grimes, also known for his defensive prowess, has averaged 10.2 points per game with the Mavericks in the 2024-25 season.
The trade signals that the Mavericks are continuing to reshape their team after parting ways with Doncic.
Luka Doncic Reflects on His Move to Los Angeles
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Luka Doncic’s first day as a Laker came with a heavy emotional moment.
During his introduction, the 25-year-old expressed hi
He said, “I just wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment.”
Lakers fans were quick to embrace Doncic, with many commenting that Kobe would have been thrilled to see him donning the Lakers’ purple and gold.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Slovenian superstar, who never expected to leave Dallas.
He admitted, “I thought I was gonna stay my whole career there… but I get to play for the Lakers now. Not many get to say that.”
Despite the excitement of joining the Lakers, Doncic acknowledged that the trade came as a shock, and he had to process the news before fully accepting his new reality.
“It was a big shock… I had to check if it was April 1,” he joked. Nonetheless, he’s excited to start this “new journey” with the Lakers.
The Deal That Took Everyone by Surprise
Doncic’s move to the Lakers was part of a three-team deal that saw Anthony Davis head to the Mavericks, along with guard Max Christie and a future first-round pick.
The Utah Jazz were also involved, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers along with the LA Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick and Dallas’ 2025 second-round pick.
The trade took nearly everyone by surprise, including Lakers coach LeBron James, Mavs fans, and even Doncic himself.
The point guard had recently purchased a $15 million home in Texas, which made the move all the more shocking.
In Los Angeles, Doncic is still recovering from a calf issue, and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka stated that the team will work with his personal trainers to ensure he returns to the court safely.
Doncic is expected to take his time as he works to get fully healthy.
The Reason Behind the Mavericks’ Decision
As for the Mavericks’ decision to trade Doncic, general manager Nico Harrison cited concerns over Doncic’s defense as the driving factor.
Harrison expressed that he believes strong defense is crucial for championship teams and that adding a player with an All-Defensive mindset like Davis gives the Mavericks a better chance to compete.
Interestingly, sources close to the situation reported that the trade was not driven by concerns over Doncic’s conditioning, despite some rumors about his weight.
However, long-time NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Mavericks and Doncic were on the verge of finalizing a $345 million extension before the trade occurred.
Now, Doncic is no longer eligible for that extension, and his salary will now be subject to California’s state income tax.
The Financial and Personal Impacts of the Trade
For Doncic, the trade not only changes the trajectory of his career but also has significant financial implications.
Moving from Texas, where there is no state income tax, to California, where tax rates can go as high as 12.3%, will likely impact his overall earnings.
Currently, Doncic is signed through the 2025-26 season, with a player option for the 2026-27 season.
Though neither Doncic’s agency nor the Mavericks have commented on the trade, it’s clear that the move represents a major shift for both parties involved.
For the Lakers, they’re welcoming one of the most talented players in the league, while the Mavericks are building their future around Davis and other key acquisitions.
The NBA world will be watching closely as both teams adjust to their new rosters and begin their quests for a championship.
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