NBA Trade Watch: Hawks Eye Big Swing, But Is Anthony Davis Worth the Gamble?
The NBA trade season is officially heating up, and for the first time in a long while, the Atlanta Hawks are sitting at the table with enough chips to make a serious play. Not just a minor rotation tweak or a salary dump - we’re talking about the kind of move that could reshape the franchise. The question is: will they actually pull the trigger?
Two names continue to dominate the rumor mill - Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis - but let’s be clear: those are two very different situations.
Giannis Talk? Not So Fast.
Giannis’ name always stirs up the fanbase, but as of now, it’s all just smoke. There’s been no official word from the Bucks that they’re shopping their two-time MVP, and Giannis himself hasn’t made any public push to leave Milwaukee.
Until that changes, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Bucks don’t double down on their franchise cornerstone. They've been here before, and each time, they’ve chosen loyalty over retooling.
So, while it’s fun to imagine, don’t expect Giannis to be packing his bags anytime soon.
Anthony Davis: A More Realistic Target
Now, Anthony Davis - that’s a different story. The market around AD is far less intense, and for good reason.
His injury history and the structure of his current contract have cooled interest from some of the league’s bigger spenders. That opens the door for a team like Atlanta, which historically hasn’t been a top destination for superstar talent.
According to league sources, the Hawks and Raptors are the two teams showing the most interest in Davis. But even with that interest, getting a deal done won’t be easy.
The Hawks’ Dilemma: Assets vs. Risk
Atlanta’s front office has made it clear they’re not moving their 2026 first-round pick - the more favorable of the selections owed from New Orleans and Milwaukee. And honestly, that’s the right call. Giving up a premium future asset for a player with Davis’ injury track record would be a massive gamble.
That said, the Hawks aren’t empty-handed. They’ve got young, intriguing talent that could headline a deal.
Players like Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, or Onyeka Okongwu could be attractive to a team like Dallas, especially if paired with additional future picks. Atlanta also has a surplus of first-rounders in their war chest, giving them some flexibility to sweeten a potential offer.
But here’s the catch: Davis has only suited up for 11 of the Mavericks’ 27 games this season. That’s not a small red flag - it’s a flashing neon sign. The Hawks have to ask themselves if they’re willing to pay a premium for a player who, while elite when healthy, has struggled to stay on the floor consistently for years.
What Dallas Wants
The Mavericks aren’t treating Davis like a contract they’re desperate to move. They’re posturing like a team willing to hold onto him unless a deal truly moves the needle. And with Atlanta unwilling to part with Trae Young or Kristaps Porziņģis - the only contracts that could realistically match Davis’ salary - it’s tough to see a clear path forward.
Porziņģis’ situation adds another wrinkle. He’s currently dealing with illness, and there’s uncertainty about his availability moving forward. As for Young, Dallas doesn’t seem interested - not with Kyrie Irving still firmly in their plans.
Bottom Line
The Hawks are in a rare position: they have the assets, the flexibility, and the motivation to make a splash. But if they’re going to chase Anthony Davis, they need to be brutally honest about what they’re getting.
At his best, Davis is a game-changer - a two-way force who can anchor a defense and stretch the floor offensively. But the injuries are real, and the cost won’t be cheap.
If Atlanta wants to make a move that shifts the balance of power in the East, this could be their window. But with Davis’ health and contract concerns looming large, the Hawks are walking a tightrope between bold ambition and reckless risk.