Anthony Davis Isn’t Looking for the Exit in Dallas - And That Might Be Just Fine for the Mavericks
For months now, the NBA rumor mill has had Anthony Davis packed and ready to leave Dallas. The narrative?
He’s aging, injury-prone, and doesn’t align with the Mavericks’ long-term vision - especially with Cooper Flagg emerging as the centerpiece of the franchise’s rebuild. But here’s the twist: Davis doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
In fact, he wants to stay.
And that changes the conversation in a big way.
Dallas’ Dilemma: Future vs. Present
Let’s start with the obvious - Davis isn’t the player he was five years ago. Injuries have taken their toll, and at 32, he’s not the cornerstone of a rebuild.
But he’s still a high-level contributor when healthy, and the Mavericks know that. The challenge is threading the needle between building around a young star like Flagg and maximizing whatever Davis has left in the tank.
The idea of moving Davis has always been about setting up the future. But trading him now, especially with his current injury situation, doesn’t exactly scream “high return.” And if the Mavericks were to deal him, it would shine a harsh light on the Luka Dončić trade - a blockbuster that has yet to yield the kind of value Dallas hoped for when it sent its franchise player packing.
Davis’ Stance: Stability Over Uncertainty
Despite the noise, Davis is reportedly content in Dallas. After being dealt midseason from the Lakers last February, he’s had to navigate a whirlwind of change - new city, new system, and a string of injuries that have disrupted any rhythm. But according to NBA insider Marc Stein, Davis has settled in and isn’t looking to uproot again.
“My best read on Davis, meanwhile, remains that he would prefer to stay put for the rest of this season,” Stein noted, pointing to the emotional and physical toll of last year’s sudden trade and the injuries that followed.
That sentiment carries weight, especially with Davis eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension this August. Will Dallas offer that kind of deal?
Probably not. But Davis’ desire to stay isn’t solely tied to the money.
There’s a reputational angle here too - sticking it out in Dallas could help him rewrite the narrative around his career’s second act.
Trade Market Cooling Off
There’s also a practical reason Davis might not be on the move anytime soon: his health. After suffering ligament damage in his left hand on January 8, Davis is expected to be sidelined into March. That’s a tough sell for any team looking to make a splash before the February 5 trade deadline.
As Stein reported, the market for Davis has been overstated - teams aren’t exactly lining up with blockbuster offers, especially with his current injury status and looming contract demands.
The Agent Factor
Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, has made it clear in the past that he’d prefer his client to be moved - and that makes sense. Any team trading for Davis would likely be ready to offer a max extension, which means a big payday for everyone involved. But Dallas isn’t biting, and unless something dramatic changes before the deadline, it looks like Davis will be staying put.
What Comes Next?
If Davis does remain in Dallas through the end of the season, the Mavericks will have some tough decisions to make this summer. Do they offer a scaled-down extension to keep a veteran presence around Flagg? Or do they part ways and fully commit to the youth movement?
For now, though, Davis is still wearing a Mavericks jersey - and that might not be the worst thing for a team trying to balance the present with the future. He’s not the centerpiece anymore, but he doesn’t have to be. What he can be is a stabilizing force, a veteran who helps bridge the gap between eras.
And if Davis is truly embracing that role, Dallas might be wise to let him.