The buzz around Anthony Davis has quieted lately - not surprising, given the left hand injury that’s expected to sideline him for about a month. But while the market for the Mavericks’ star big man has cooled, there’s one team that should be giving serious thought to making a move: the Charlotte Hornets.
Yes, the Hornets.
Charlotte has quietly started to turn the corner. After a rough 4-14 start, they’ve gone 5-5 over their last 10 games, and those wins aren’t just against bottom-of-the-barrel squads.
We’re talking victories over playoff-caliber teams like the Thunder, Lakers, Nuggets, and Magic. That’s not nothing - it’s a sign that this young core might be figuring things out.
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel are starting to click. There’s real chemistry brewing, and while a postseason berth this year might still be a stretch, the Hornets are laying the groundwork for a legitimate playoff push next season. Adding a player like Anthony Davis to that mix could accelerate the timeline - and surprisingly, it might not cost them as much as you’d think.
Why Charlotte Could Actually Pull This Off
Let’s start with the obvious: Davis’ trade value isn’t what it once was. Between the injury concerns and the looming contract extension he’s reportedly seeking this summer, teams aren’t exactly lining up with blockbuster offers. That opens the door for a team like Charlotte to swoop in with a creative, lower-risk package.
And here’s the kicker - the Hornets already own a key piece that Dallas would love to get back: their own 2027 first-round pick. That’s a big deal.
The Mavericks are trying to build around young phenom Cooper Flagg, and regaining control of their future draft capital would be a huge step in that process. It’s the kind of move that gives them flexibility and a clearer path forward.
On top of that, Charlotte has the kind of expiring contracts that Dallas is reportedly targeting. A deal centered around Miles Bridges and Collin Sexton could work financially.
Sexton’s $19 million deal comes off the books after this season, and Bridges is only locked in through 2026-27. That’s the kind of short-term money Dallas would love - it keeps their books clean and gives them a chance to test out players without long-term commitments.
From the Mavericks’ perspective, this would be about more than just clearing cap space. Getting their 2027 pick back allows them to reset and build strategically around Flagg. It’s a smart play for a team that’s trying to pivot without a full teardown.
What Davis Would Mean for Charlotte
Now let’s flip it. Why should the Hornets go after Davis?
Defense. Plain and simple.
Charlotte has been lighting it up on the offensive end lately - they’re ranked No. 8 in offensive rating for the season and have been the best offense in the league over the past two weeks. But on defense?
That’s where the issues lie. They’re 20th in defensive rating, and it’s holding them back from taking the next step.
Enter Anthony Davis.
When healthy, Davis is still one of the most dominant defenders in the league. He can switch on the perimeter, protect the rim, and anchor a unit by himself.
His presence alone would elevate Charlotte’s defense in a major way. Pair him with their already explosive offense, and you’ve got the makings of a balanced, playoff-caliber team.
Rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a bright spot in the frontcourt, but beyond him, the Hornets don’t have many difference-makers down low. Davis would change that immediately. He brings size, experience, leadership, and a defensive edge that this young roster desperately needs.
The Bigger Picture
Let’s be real - Charlotte hasn’t exactly been a free-agent destination over the years. If they want to bring in a star, it’s probably going to have to be via trade.
And players like Anthony Davis don’t hit the market every day. He’s a 10-time All-Star, a proven postseason performer, and even with the injury concerns, he’s still capable of anchoring a franchise.
This wouldn’t be a reckless, all-in move. It’s a calculated swing at a star whose value is temporarily depressed.
The Hornets have the assets, the timeline, and the need. Dallas has the motivation, especially if they can get back their 2027 pick and clear some cap space in the process.
It’s a rare win-win scenario - low risk, high reward - and it might just be the kind of deal that helps both franchises take the next step. For the Hornets, it could be the key to finally breaking a nine-year playoff drought. For the Mavericks, it’s a chance to reset and build around their future.
The trade deadline is creeping closer. Don’t be surprised if Charlotte and Dallas start talking.