Anthony Davis’ time in Dallas has been a mix of loyalty, potential, and lingering uncertainty. While the big man has made it clear he’s comfortable with the Mavericks and isn’t actively pushing for a move, the trade winds are swirling around him as the deadline looms.
According to multiple reports, Davis is open to staying put and even hoping for a contract extension with the team. But his camp sees things differently.
Rich Paul, Davis’ agent and longtime representative, is reportedly advocating for a trade before the deadline, believing it would be in Davis’ best interest to seek a new situation. That said, Davis himself isn’t exactly on board with that plan.
Before Saturday’s game between the Lakers and Mavericks, NBA insider Tim MacMahon shared that Davis has not been pushing to be moved and is content in Dallas. “There are trade discussions; his agent, Rich Paul, has made it clear he thinks it’s in AD’s best interest to be traded.
AD does not necessarily agree, though,” MacMahon said. “I have been told he has not been pushing to be moved and is comfortable here in Dallas.”
That’s a significant distinction. While agents often look at the long-term business side of the game, players - especially veterans like Davis - tend to focus on fit, comfort, and the locker room dynamic. And despite the noise, Davis seems locked in on recovering and contributing in Dallas.
He didn’t suit up for Saturday’s game, having been sidelined since the Mavericks' matchup with the Jazz. But his presence was still felt.
Davis was out on the floor during pregame, working through drills with a protective wrap on his hand. That kind of effort doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by teammates and coaches.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke highly of Davis’ rehab work and commitment to getting back on the floor. “He’s working extremely hard,” Kidd said.
“He’s on the court, and he’s gonna be a dominant right-hand player once he comes back. Just understanding he’s working on his point guard skills… He should be the next one if we don’t have a point guard that he should be labeled as point guard.
And I’m just joking.”
Jokes aside, Kidd’s message was clear: Davis is putting in the work, and the team values his leadership - even when he’s not in uniform. That kind of buy-in matters, especially in a locker room trying to find its rhythm midseason.
Still, the trade rumors aren’t going away. The Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors have emerged as potential landing spots, with Toronto reportedly exploring a package centered around RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and future picks. Whether that’s enough to sway Dallas remains to be seen, but it’s clear Davis has suitors.
Injuries have been the biggest hurdle in Davis’ time with the Mavericks. Since joining the team, he’s played in just 31 of a possible 80 games - a frustrating stretch for a player who, when healthy, can dominate both ends of the floor. That limited availability has made it tough for Davis to fully integrate and show what he can do in this system.
But despite the setbacks, Davis has remained engaged, vocal, and invested. That’s not nothing - especially in a league where trade chatter can derail a locker room.
For now, Davis is still a Maverick, still working toward a return, and still hoping for a future in Dallas. Whether the front office sees things the same way will be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch as the trade deadline approaches.