The Anthony Davis narrative has progressed to its next chapter.
As the unofficial start of the NBA trade season approaches — with players signed during the offseason becoming eligible for trades on Monday — contenders for the Dallas Mavericks‘ 10-time All-Star forward are starting to surface. Sources within the league informed ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday that the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons are projected to be part of this group.
As the Mavericks consider various options, which may still entail giving Davis an extension this offseason, any teams with interest must also evaluate the potential hazards. These include Davis’ age — he will turn 33 in March — his history of injuries, and his contract situation.
The potential upside: When in good health, Davis is capable of elevating a team to true contender status, as demonstrated when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019-20 on the way to his first NBA championship.
As franchises around the league contemplate possible offers for Davis, our NBA analysts are examining every aspect of the dilemma facing Dallas and its star big man, including the speed at which the remade front office will act and five trade proposals the franchise might entertain — with some being more audacious than others.
Jump to a section:
The path leading to Davis and the Mavs
The significant trade risks
Intel: How soon will Dallas act?
Davis to: DET | ATL | TOR | GS | SA
Tracking the AD trade: The journey here
In the haze of surprise and frustration following the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, it can be easy to miss what former Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison anticipated acquiring.
Davis was having a solid 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging nearly 26 points while shooting 53%, along with 12 rebounds and four assists. He was on track for his best season in L.A., showing even better statistics than his peak 2019-20 season during the Lakers’ championship run. Additionally, he had reliably established himself as a leading big man defender.
Perhaps more crucially, Davis had only missed four of 46 games for the Lakers after playing 76 games the prior season, marking the highest total of his career. This reliability persisted even while he was playing at center, a position he publicly disliked.
At 32, Davis could still be seen as being in his prime, regularly performing at a high level. In short, he was a prized player, valuable enough to allow the Lakers to acquire Doncic. Furthermore, Harrison intended to deploy Davis as a power forward, where theoretically the Mavs could extract even greater production from the 10-time All-Star.
Fast forward less than a year, and Davis’ projected trade value has significantly altered according to league executives. He suffered an injury upon arrival in Dallas, appearing in only nine games post-trade. A need for eye surgery hindered his offseason training, and he began the new season below his best. He again faced injury setbacks and has missed 15 of 25 games this season.
Davis is on track to play fewer than 52 games, matching his average since 2020-21. His stats remain positive — he’s a dependable 20-point, 10-rebound player — but one statistic may raise concern for potential suitors: he is owed $120 million over the next two seasons and will be eligible for an extension next summer.
This financial commitment for a player of his age and injury background, especially amidst the challenging team-building constraints of the NBA’s apron era, has made Davis one of the most debated players as the trade season unfolds.
— Brian Windhorst
The challenges of trading Davis for Dallas — and the risks for interested teams
There’s no doubt that Davis affects a team’s success. His 2020 championship win with the Lakers and his 10 All-NBA and All-Defensive honors demonstrate that impact. He was averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds in 41 games before the Mavericks acquired him in the Doncic trade.
However, with such accolades come significant concerns for any teams looking to acquire him.
With his brief stint in Dallas overshadowed by injuries, Davis qualifies for a four-year, $275 million extension on Aug. 6, which would pay him $76 million at 37. Without such an extension, Davis may opt out of his $62.8 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027.
If the Mavericks are hesitant to extend Davis, should they trade him before the deadline or wait until the offseason when his value might increase? While delaying until summer could spark interest, there’s massive risk involved with Davis potentially diminishing his trade worth if he were to sustain another injury.
When Davis is on the court, Dallas often resembles a playoff-caliber team, reflected in his averages of 26.0 points and 12.6 rebounds during three recent victories over the Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets. (In contrast, he recorded only two points on 1-for-9 shooting in a blowout defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking his lowest scoring game when playing 20 minutes or more.)
–– Bobby Marks
Mavericks’ next moves and their speed in pursuing a deal
A methodical approach is necessary for a Davis trade to materialize before the season’s trade deadline.
The initial step was ensuring Davis was fully recovered, which is why Mavs governor Patrick Dumont insisted on caution during Davis’s recovery from a calf strain. This led to his return being delayed for nearly three weeks after the initial target date of Nov. 8. He was granted clearance only after Dumont received medical confirmation that Davis wouldn’t risk re-injuring his calf or facing any serious related injuries.
The subsequent step involves a demonstration period, where Davis showcases the impact he can deliver. Except for that two-point performance in a loss to the defending champions, Davis has fared well since his return. He is averaging 18.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.0 blocks, shooting 52.6% from the field across five games, despite the Oklahoma City outing affecting his averages. Davis needs to maintain or exceed this performance level to convince potential suitors that his contributions are significant enough to warrant competitive offers amidst concerns about his financials and durability.
The Mavericks also need to determine their approach to trade talks. Currently, team insiders expect that Dumont won’t appoint a permanent head of basketball operations until the offseason. This suggests that interim co-general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley will lead trade discussions, with coach Jason Kidd likely exerting considerable influence in decisions to be finalized by Dumont.
The Mavs’ front office plans to collaborate closely with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents Davis. The fact that Davis is eligible for a contract extension this summer adds complexity to his trade market.
— Tim MacMahon
Five trade scenarios for AD
As Charania reported on Tuesday, Davis is set to be a target for several Eastern Conference contenders, such as the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors.
Our proposals begin there, followed by two trades that keep Davis in the Western Conference — to the San Antonio Spurs and to the Golden State Warriors.
Detroit Pistons receive:
Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks acquire:
Tobias Harris
Jaden Ivey
Ronald Holland II
The Pistons are among this trade season’s most captivating teams, as the surprise leaders of the Eastern Conference must choose whether to seize their chance to reach the Finals or stay patient with their youthful core. If they choose the former path, Davis would serve as a valuable veteran addition, infusing championship experience into a young roster and bolstering one of the league’s top defenses.
Harris has consistently contributed during his second tenure in Detroit, but being one of only two Pistons earning over $16.8 million this season — the other being Cade Cunningham — means Harris essentially has to be included in any trade acquiring a star. The other two players in this trade have not significantly impacted the Pistons’ ascent to the top, so Detroit wouldn’t sacrifice much production to acquire a 10-time All-Star. Ivey missed the first 15 games and has been inconsistent since returning, averaging just 7.6 points in 13.9 minutes of play. Out of 172 players with over 150 shot attempts this season, Holland ranks 168th in effective field goal percentage.
From Dallas’ viewpoint, Ivey, 23, and Holland, 20, both exhibit notable potential and align more closely with 18-year-old Cooper Flagg than Davis. Would the Mavericks entertain trading Davis without a single draft asset in this deal, given the opportunity to land two recent top-five picks instead?
— Zach Kram
Marks’ assessment: This proposed trade captivates because of the two former lottery selections involved: Ivey and Holland. However, Ivey is still recovering from two surgeries (a broken left fibula and a right knee issue) since January 1 and can become a restricted free agent in the 2028 offseason. Holland, still just 20, would provide Dallas with another tall wing on their roster. The downside is that despite having up to four first-round selections, swaps available each season, and 14 second-rounders for trades, none are included in this proposal.
Atlanta Hawks receive:
Anthony Davis
Jonathan Kuminga
Buddy Hield
Devin Carter
Dallas Mavericks receive:
Zach LaVine
2026 first-round selection (via Warriors, top-14 protected; otherwise a 2032 second-round pick 31 to 50)
2027 first-round pick (from the lesser of Bucks and Pelicans, top-4 protected)
Sacramento Kings receive:
Golden State Warriors receive:
Detroit Pistons receive:
Doug McDermott
Financial considerations
The obstacle for the Hawks in obtaining Davis is that Young is likely to need to be included to keep Atlanta’s payroll from skyrocketing in 2026-27. However, moving Young to Dallas makes little sense unless Kyrie Irving is part of the conversation as well.
For Atlanta, this arrangement secures Davis without using their top trade assets, such as the 2026 unprotected pick from the Pelicans and former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher. Hence, the Hawks can aim for a championship now while keeping an eye on the future after Davis.
Sacramento turns LaVine into a younger point guard solution without sacrificing draft equity. Meanwhile, Golden State finally parts with Kuminga to secure the type of stretch-5 they’ve long needed, reuniting Porzingis with his former Celtics teammate Al Horford at the cost of a pick that evaporates if the Warriors miss the playoffs.
— Kevin Pelton
Marks’ evaluation: This multi-team trade stands out for its creativity. From a basketball, financial, and asset accumulation viewpoint, this deal benefits Dallas while also aiding Atlanta, Golden State, and Sacramento. For the Mavericks, acquiring LaVine gives them a short-term solution alongside Kyrie Irving and raises their tradeable first-round picks from two to four. The downside is LaVine is likely to opt in to his $49 million contract for the following season, which would push Dallas into luxury tax territory, exceeding the first apron.
Toronto Raptors receive:
Anthony Davis
Tony Bradley
Dallas Mavericks acquire:
R.J. Barrett
Jakob Poeltl
Jarace Walker
Ochai Agbaji
2026 first-round pick (from Raptors)
2027 first-round pick (from Pacers, top-14 protected)
Indiana Pacers receive:
Toronto has been incredibly active over the past four trade deadlines, trading first-round selections for Thaddeus Young, Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk, and Brandon Ingram — so why not pursue a genuine star? It’s yet to be confirmed if the new GM Bobby Webster will act as swiftly as former GM Masai Ujiri, but Toronto’s alleged interest in Davis indicates a trade could be on the horizon.
The simplest way for the Raptors to align with Davis’ salary would be to package Barrett and Poeltl, which would reduce wing depth while improving their center position. For Dallas, Barrett, at only 25 years old, presents a good long-term addition alongside Flagg, while Poeltl, despite his hefty contract, would offer Dallas another option at center along with Dereck Lively II.
Consequently, the Pacers — who are «actively engaging in trade discussions around the league to find a center of the future after losing Myles Turner to free agency,» as reported by Charania — join the narrative, trading a lottery-protected pick for Gafford. The athletic Gafford could partner with stretch big Jay Huff in a dynamic center rotation in Indiana.
Lastly, the Mavericks would get to assess two recent lottery picks, Walker and Agbaji, who have seen regression this season. A fresh start could be just what they need, and Dallas is in need of youthful two-way wings.
— Kram
Marks’ appraisal: It’s likely more beneficial to analyze this trade backwards. The unprotected first-round pick holds value, as even with Davis on the roster, there is no certainty Toronto will secure a top-six seed in the East. A change in environment might assist Walker, but consistently this season he has not capitalized on expanded playing time in Indiana, whereas Barrett could provide the Mavericks with a young wing to accompany Cooper Flagg. Poeltl’s contract is a concern, given he has five years remaining, specifically with $27.3 million, $29.5 million, and $27.3 million owed during the contract’s closing three seasons.
Golden State Warriors receive:
Anthony Davis
Mason Plumlee
Dallas Mavericks receive:
Draymond Green
Jonathan Kuminga
2026 first-round selection (from Warriors)
Charlotte Hornets receive:
Maxi Kleber
Dalton Knecht
Financial considerations (from Lakers)
If the Warriors were to dismantle the partnership between Green and Stephen Curry for an opportunity to land Davis, it might not be the best idea. However, if they fail to achieve consistent health, it’s a consideration worth entertaining due to the substantial offensive boost that Davis could bring.
Despite playing at a high level with Green on the floor, he’s shooting 38% from the field, his lowest efficiency since his rookie year — even lower than the 2019-20 season when Curry played just five games during a gap year.
Davis would be the rim protector that the Warriors have sought for a long time. They could also save money this year by structuring the trade as a multi-team deal, sending Hield to another team. In this scenario, he would go to the Lakers to provide the shooting they require.
Meanwhile, Charlotte would acquire Kleber’s $11 million expiring contract in compensation for Knecht after previously trying to obtain him in a reversed deadline move for Mark Williams.
For Dallas, executing this trade would primarily represent a wager against Golden State successfully achieving health and cohesion during the regular season, making the 2026 first-rounder a valuable asset to possess. Additionally, the Mavericks would gain financial flexibility through Kuminga’s team option for the 2026-27 season.
— Pelton
Marks’ evaluation: Acquiring Green and Kuminga through this trade enables Dallas to stay competitive in the West while maintaining financial flexibility for the short-term. Nevertheless, considering that 2026 is the only year Dallas controls their first-round pick until 2031, pursuing a play-in spot might not be worth the effort. Furthermore, adding Davis to a core including Curry and Jimmy Butler III could easily prove effective, bolstering the Warriors’ ascent and diminishing the value of that 2026 pick.
San Antonio Spurs receive:
Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks acquire:
Harrison Barnes
Keldon Johnson
Luke Kornet
2026 second-round selection (via Jazz)
2028 and 2029 second-round selections (via Bulls)
Extinguishable 2030 first-round swap rights
Chicago Bulls receive:
The Spurs’ connection to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo transaction talks makes Davis a more fitting option alongside De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, as he doesn’t require the ball in his hands to be effective.
A deal with San Antonio would grant the Mavericks the most financial advantage as the Spurs would not need to return as much salary as Davis commands, having ample room beneath the luxury tax. Furthermore, the depth brought by this deal allows Dallas to send Marshall to Chicago, where he might start at small forward, in exchange for second-round picks.
The ultimate outcome is Dallas saving $30 million in luxury taxes with a clear path to avoid the tax altogether. However, the real accomplishment for the Mavericks is eliminating the 2030 swap rights granted to San Antonio in the regrettable Grant Williams sign-and-trade.
For the Spurs, Davis would effectively take on the role that Kornet has filled, serving as center when Wembanyama is off the floor and potentially lining up alongside him in larger configurations. Conceptualizing defensive strategies against pick-and-rolls with Davis screening for Wembanyama — or utilizing staggered screens with both him and Fox or No. 2 draft choice Dylan Harper — would pose a significant challenge for opponents.
— Pelton
Marks’ appraisal: For the Mavericks, not including Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, or Devin Vassell would be a downside. Nonetheless, saving on luxury taxes while gaining financial relief now and for the future is advantageous. But unless there’s another trade, adding a third center in Kornet alongside Gafford and Lively II could be counterintuitive, even if Kornet aids in maintaining stability following Lively’s season-ending injury.
The verdict: Embrace the chaos
The Mavericks are unlikely to receive the same level of return that the Lakers did when they traded Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick for Doncic in February.
In truth, the aforementioned trades indicate that Dallas’ return from a Davis deal might primarily be centered around financial relief given in expiring contracts, supplementary salary cap fillers, and draft picks.
Determining the most advantageous deal hinges on assessing what the Mavs value at the moment: an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from Toronto, or a top-four protected least favorable first-round selection from Milwaukee or New Orleans in 2027 from Atlanta.
With the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, New Orleans again mired in the standings, and no financial commitments heading toward the Mavericks beyond the 2027-28 season, the five-team megatrade involving Atlanta, Detroit, Golden State, and Sacramento should be the trade Dallas considers most seriously.
— Marks
