The Dallas Mavericks are at a crossroads, and the decision they make on Anthony Davis could define their direction for years to come. According to reports, Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and Davis’ longtime agent, is seeking clarity from the Mavericks’ front office: Are they planning to trade the 10-time All-Star before the deadline, or are they ready to commit to him with a long-term extension?
This isn’t just about dollars and cents-though there are plenty of those on the table. Davis is eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August.
He’s currently earning $54.1 million this season, with $58.5 million due next year and a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. That’s a massive financial commitment, and one that would signal the Mavericks’ intent to continue building around a veteran star rather than pivoting toward a full youth movement.
The timing of this decision is crucial. Davis, who turns 33 in March, was the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers.
Since arriving in Dallas, Davis has suited up for just 20 games, averaging 20.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. When healthy, he’s still a force on both ends of the floor-there’s no denying that.
But availability remains the biggest question mark.
This season, Davis has played in only 11 games due to a nagging left calf injury. His production-20.0 points, 10.5 boards, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game-remains solid, but teams around the league are watching closely. According to sources, some potential trade partners believe Davis needs to shed some weight to regain the mobility that made him such a dominant two-way presence in his prime.
Trade rumors have already started to swirl. The Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors have all been linked to Davis, and it’s clear there’s interest in acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick. But any team looking to trade for him is also taking on the risk that comes with his injury history and massive salary.
Meanwhile, Dallas has a budding star in rookie Cooper Flagg, and that adds another layer to the decision. If the Mavericks are serious about rebuilding around Flagg, moving Davis could accelerate that process. But if they believe Davis can still be the anchor of a contending team-and stay on the floor-they may opt to extend him and make one more push.
There’s no easy answer here. Davis is a future Hall of Famer, a Top 75 player in NBA history, and one of the most talented big men of his generation.
His career averages-24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game-speak for themselves. But at this stage of his career, the question isn’t just about talent.
It’s about fit, durability, and direction.
The Mavericks have to decide: Is Anthony Davis still the centerpiece of their future, or is it time to turn the page? With the trade deadline looming and extension talks on the horizon, the clock is ticking in Dallas.