Caleb Martin is finally turning heads in Dallas - and not just because he’s putting up numbers. The seventh-year wing has quietly become one of the Mavericks’ most intriguing trade chips, and the timing couldn’t be better. With the February 5 trade deadline looming and Dallas looking to reshape its roster around Cooper Flagg, Martin’s recent surge could be exactly what the front office needs to make a move.
Let’s be real: Martin’s start to the season didn’t inspire much confidence. He looked out of rhythm, hesitant on offense, and wasn’t cracking the rotation consistently.
But that’s changed - dramatically. Over his last four games, Martin is averaging 8.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals while shooting a scorching 65.2% from the field and 37.5% from deep.
That’s not just solid - that’s efficient, two-way basketball, and it’s coming from a guy who’s now started three straight games, all wins for the Mavericks.
So what’s changed? First off, Martin’s finally healthy.
He’s said as much himself, noting that his body feels “way better” than it did earlier in the year. And it shows.
He’s moving with confidence, attacking closeouts, and not hesitating when open looks come his way. He’s not forcing the issue - he’s playing within the flow of the offense, making smart reads, and finishing in transition.
This version of Caleb Martin isn’t just playable - he’s a legitimate rotation piece.
Defensively, Martin has always had the tools: length, quickness, and the physicality to guard multiple positions. That part of his game has never really been in question, but now that he’s contributing on both ends, he’s becoming a more complete player. For teams looking to add a versatile wing who can defend 1-through-3 and knock down open shots, Martin’s recent stretch is worth a long look.
And here’s where things get interesting for Dallas. Martin is in year two of a four-year, $35 million deal - not a bargain, but not unmovable either, especially now that he’s showing he can contribute.
His $9.6 million salary for this season could be the perfect piece to balance out a bigger trade. Dallas is reportedly shopping Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson, and packaging Martin with either of those names could help the Mavs chase expiring deals or more flexible assets.
The bigger picture here is about cap space and the future. With Cooper Flagg expected to be the face of the franchise moving forward, Dallas needs to clear the decks and build a roster that complements their young cornerstone.
That means flexibility - and Martin’s contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season, is a hurdle they’d love to clear. If his recent play can convince another team to take that deal on, it opens the door for Dallas to reset around Flagg with a cleaner cap sheet this summer.
In a league where timing is everything, Martin’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better moment. He’s gone from buried on the bench to a starter on a winning streak, and that kind of turnaround doesn’t go unnoticed - especially not by teams looking for midseason upgrades. Whether he’s part of a larger package or the sweetener in a salary swap, Caleb Martin has put himself back on the radar.
And for the Mavericks, that might just be the assist they need to make their next big move.