The 2025 trade deadline lapsed rather quietly, at least in comparison to how eventful the lead-up was. The Philadelphia 76ers, who made a grand sum of three trades, made sure to make it count, as was the rest of the league, which collectively turned in one of, if not the most fireworks-laden deadline ever.
While the 76ers did not make it past the deadline with a blockbuster trade under its belt, the front office was still able to pull off three, different trades, parting ways with Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, and Reggie Jackson in a minor retooling, although all of these moves project as cap-saving deals that could pay dividends down the road.
Having said that, not a lot of people were impressed with the moves Philly made. While it initially seemed like the front office was brewing something much bigger behind the scenes, there was no follow through in that regard, making their trade a collective effort to tidy up the payroll in whatever way they can.
And if you’re on that side, you are gravely mistaken.
76ers escape disaster as Daryl Morey pulls off the biggest trick of the season
Fans and pundits alike were especially skeptical of the trade the 76ers made involving Caleb Martin, who was shipped the Mavericks in exchange for Quentin Grimes and a second-round pick this year. Admittedly, there is some credence to those criticisms. While Martin started off the season slow, he has picked up steam for the last month or so. And his penchant for showing up during big games will make his absence felt, not to mention his bargain bin contract.
Having said that, it is now apparent why Daryl Morey and his crew were very amenable to dealing him before the deadline. As it turns out, the veteran forward is nursing a hip injury that will keep him out of commission for quite some time. It is to such extent that the league had to intervene and prompted the 76ers to add another second-rounder to sweeten the pot for Dallas.
While Philly had to throw in another asset to make the Mavs budge, they still clearly won the trade. Grimes is having his best season yet and projects to be a much bigger contributor than Martin, especially offensively. Meanwhile, that 2025 second-rounder could prove to be something that the 76ers can turn into a worthwhile asset, especially with this year’s draft class reckoned to be an elite one.
Daryl Morey did it again. The Philadelphia 76ers may not have had the flashiest of moves before the trade deadline, they definitely made it count. This trickery is just another evidence of the longtime executive at his peak capacity.