The Anthony Davis trade watch is heating up again-and this time, the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks are firmly in the mix.
According to reports, the Dallas Mavericks have re-engaged in trade talks involving Davis, with multiple teams circling, including Toronto and Atlanta. The timing is tricky. Davis is expected to miss about six weeks after suffering ligament damage in his hand, and with the Feb. 5 trade deadline fast approaching, Dallas is weighing its options: move him now while his value might be lower, or wait until he's healthy to see how he fits alongside Kyrie Irving and rookie standout Cooper Flagg.
That trio-Davis, Irving, and Flagg-has yet to share the floor. Irving is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last March.
But when Davis and Flagg have played together, the Mavericks are a respectable 10-10. Without both, they’ve stumbled to a 15-25 record overall.
It’s clear Dallas is still trying to figure out what this roster can be, and Davis’ injury complicates that evaluation.
The good news for potential suitors: a second opinion this week confirmed Davis won’t need surgery. That keeps the door open for a midseason move, even if he’s not back on the court before the deadline.
Of course, trading for Davis is never just about what he can do-it’s about whether he can stay on the floor to do it. The 10-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team selection still brings elite defensive presence and interior scoring when healthy.
But that’s the key phrase: when healthy. He’s played just 20 of the team’s first 40 games this season, and his career has been marked by frequent injury setbacks.
Still, for teams like Toronto and Atlanta, the upside might be worth the gamble.
The Raptors are currently navigating a frontcourt void with Jakob Poeltl sidelined due to a lingering back issue. Without a traditional big anchoring the paint, Davis would immediately fill a glaring need-assuming he can return to form. His ability to defend the rim, switch on the perimeter, and contribute offensively could stabilize a Toronto defense that’s been stretched thin.
Atlanta, meanwhile, is clearly shifting gears. After trading away Trae Young to Washington, the Hawks appear to be prioritizing defense and balance over high-usage offense.
Davis could be a centerpiece in that transition, giving the Hawks a defensive identity they’ve lacked in recent years. His presence alone would elevate their interior defense and provide a veteran anchor to a team in the midst of reshaping its core.
That said, acquiring Davis is no small financial commitment. His $54.1 million salary this season ranks among the top five cap hits in the league.
He’s set to earn $58.5 million in 2026-27, with a $62.8 million player option looming for 2027-28. That’s a lot of money tied to a player with a long injury history, and any team making a move for him will need to be all-in-not just on his talent, but on his availability.
Statistically, Davis is still producing at a high level: 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game in his 14th season. That kind of impact doesn’t come around often, especially from a big who can still change games on both ends. But with just half the season under his belt so far, the question remains: can he stay healthy enough to make a difference down the stretch?
For the Mavericks, the decision is looming. Do they hold onto Davis and hope the trio with Irving and Flagg finally gets a chance to gel? Or do they cut bait now and recoup assets before another injury sidelines him again?
And for the Raptors and Hawks, the question is just as complicated: is the potential reward worth the risk?
One thing’s for sure-Davis’ name is back in the trade rumor mill, and it’s not going away anytime soon.