There is no doubt that the Philadelphia 76ers have had the most disappointing season of any ball club in the NBA this season. Entering the campaign, they were heavily pegged as one of the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2025 NBA Finals. However, reality has turned that completely upside down.
As of the moment, the 76ers are sitting pretty outside the postseason picture, touting a laughable 21-40 record, tied for fourth-worst in the East with the Nets. Joel Embiid has been shut down, and while they would always deny it, the team simply has no more will to fight their way into the playoffs-in tournament.
Having said that, Philadelphia is not alone on its bleak party. After all, misery loves company, and there is indeed another franchise in the same boat as the franchise. Say hello to the Dallas Mavericks, last year’s NBA finalists which somehow decided to just break everything apart this season.
76ers continue to add to Mavericks’ woes with Quentin Grimes thriving
Not long after Dallas made the discombobulating decision to trade franchise superstar Luka Doncic, the dominos starting falling for them in the worst way possible. First, Anthony Davis went down with an injury in his debut game. And just recently, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in heartbreaking fashion.
Without any intention to rub salt into Mavs fans’ wounds, the 76ers have another contribution to their growing list of woes. Quentin Grimes, whom Dallas confusingly dangled away before the trade deadline and has played well for them, has taken a bigger step in Philadelphia.
In 11 appearances for the 76ers so far, Grimes has registered 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per outing, giving the team a much more dynamic partner in the backcourt for the struggling Tyrese Maxey.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks haven’t felt the presence of the player they got in return. Caleb Martin, whom Philly shipped away in the deal for Grimes, has not yet suited up for Dallas due to a hip injury. And given how this season is going for them, it’s unlikely that he forces the issue to return anytime soon.
Without question, the 76ers won that trade. Even better, they got a strong chance of keeping Grimes beyond this season as he is a restricted free agent.
The Philadelphia 76ers may end this season with not a lot of positives to bring into the offseason, but acing the Quentin Grimes trade is certainly one good takeaway from what has otherwise been a grim campaign.