The Atlanta Hawks are keeping a close eye on the Dallas Mavericks’ situation with Anthony Davis - and there’s real interest in making a move. According to reporting during the latest NBA on Prime broadcast, the Hawks remain “very intrigued” by the idea of trading for the All-Star big man. But here’s the key detail: if a deal goes down, it likely won’t involve Trae Young.
That’s a notable wrinkle. Young, who could hit free agency this summer if he declines his $48.97 million player option, is not expected to be part of any Davis deal. Instead, the Hawks would likely have to part with some of their top young assets - most notably Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
From Dallas’ perspective, that’s a logical ask. If they’re going to move Davis, they’ll want a package built around expiring contracts, young talent, and draft capital.
Risacher checks the box as a high-upside prospect, and a deal would likely need to include a significant expiring contract to make the math work. That’s where Kristaps Porzingis and his $30.73 million expiring deal could come into play.
Now, let’s be clear - this isn’t a done deal, and there’s no reported momentum just yet. In fact, earlier this week, the Hawks reportedly checked in on Davis, but the talks didn’t progress. There’s still a sense that Atlanta could pivot toward a lower-cost frontcourt option, especially if they choose to build around Porzingis’ expiring contract instead of going all-in.
But if the Hawks do decide to swing big, Davis would be a franchise-altering acquisition - and not just because of his name. He’s one of the league’s premier defensive anchors when healthy, and Atlanta’s defense could use all the help it can get.
The Hawks have dropped five straight and now sit at 15-17, slipping below .500. During that skid, they’ve allowed 126 or more points in each of their seven most recent losses.
Opponents are shooting 47.8% from the field against them this season, which ranks 23rd in the league.
Davis, when available, changes that dynamic instantly. He’s a game-wrecker on the defensive end - a shot-blocking, paint-patrolling force who can alter an entire game plan.
But that “when available” caveat is a big one. Davis is currently dealing with a mild right groin strain and has appeared in just 16 games this season.
Outside of his 76-game campaign with the Lakers in 2023-24, he hasn’t played more than 62 games in a season since 2018-19.
And then there’s the contract. Davis is making $54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next year, and holds a player option for $62.8 million in 2027-28. Any team trading for him would likely need to commit to a long-term extension - a risky proposition given his injury history.
Still, for a Hawks team searching for a defensive identity and trying to climb the Eastern Conference ladder, Davis represents the kind of bold swing that could change everything. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario. And while there’s no traction yet, the intrigue is real - and worth watching as the trade deadline approaches.