Anthony Davis Trade Buzz: Hawks Eye Star Big Man as Mavericks Weigh Long-Term Play
As the NBA season hits its stride, trade chatter around Anthony Davis is picking up steam - and the Atlanta Hawks are officially in the mix. According to league sources, Atlanta is “very intrigued” by the idea of acquiring Davis, and they’ve begun exploratory talks with the Dallas Mavericks, who are setting a firm price tag for the All-NBA big man.
Dallas made waves last season by bringing Davis into the fold, a move that signaled their commitment to chasing contention. But as we approach the midway point of the season, the questions that have followed Davis throughout his career - health, fit, and long-term durability - are once again front and center.
Hawks Interested, Mavericks Holding the Line
The Hawks are one of several teams monitoring Davis’ situation, but they’ve emerged as the most active suitor to date. Dallas, meanwhile, isn’t rushing into anything. They’re asking for a significant return, and it’s clear they’re prioritizing flexibility and long-term value in any potential deal.
The Mavericks’ asking price reportedly includes rookie Zaccharie Risacher - the promising French wing who’s shown flashes of two-way potential - along with future draft picks, expiring contracts, and additional young assets. It’s a package that reflects both Davis’ star power and the risk that comes with it.
Availability Still the Wild Card
Davis remains a dominant force when he’s on the floor. Through 16 appearances this season, he’s averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists - still elite numbers for a player who can anchor both ends of the court. But it’s the “when he’s on the floor” part that continues to complicate things.
He’s missed 16 of the Mavericks’ 31 games so far, sidelined by a mix of groin, adductor, and ankle issues. Most recently, Davis exited Dallas’ Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors in the second quarter, pulling up during a fast break with right groin spasms. He didn’t return after halftime and has since been listed as questionable for upcoming games, including a key matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
According to reports, Dallas is taking a cautious approach with Davis, assessing his status on a day-to-day basis. It’s a strategy that speaks volumes about how the franchise views the long game - and how his health status could shape the trade timeline.
Balancing Star Power with Risk
For the Hawks, the appeal is obvious. Davis is a proven difference-maker, a player who can instantly elevate a team’s ceiling on both ends of the floor. For a franchise looking to accelerate a retool - or even a full-on rebuild - he represents a shortcut to relevance.
But Atlanta also knows what it’s getting into. Davis’ injury history is well-documented, and the price tag being floated by Dallas isn’t for the faint of heart. Risacher is viewed as a key piece of Atlanta’s future, and parting with him - along with picks and other young talent - would mark a significant pivot in the Hawks’ current trajectory.
What Comes Next
The Mavericks aren’t in a rush, and they’re clearly not looking to sell low. Davis still holds considerable value - not just because of his production, but because of what he represents in a league where true two-way big men are rare.
As the trade deadline inches closer, expect these talks to continue evolving. Atlanta has made its interest known, but whether they’re willing to meet Dallas’ price - and whether Davis can stay healthy enough to justify it - remains the central question.
For now, the league is watching. And so are we.