With the NBA trade deadline just two weeks out, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a crossroads - and the name at the center of it all is Anthony Davis. Rumors are swirling, and one hypothetical deal making the rounds has Dallas sending Davis to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton, and, perhaps most crucially, their own 2027 first-round pick.
Let’s unpack why this trade scenario - while still theoretical - could be a game-changer for the Mavericks.
The Real Prize: Dallas' 2027 First-Round Pick
For Dallas, the centerpiece of this deal isn’t Bridges or Sexton. It’s that 2027 first-round pick - their own pick, which they dealt away in the P.J.
Washington trade back in 2024. Reacquiring it would give the Mavericks something they desperately need: flexibility.
Right now, the Mavericks are operating with limited control over their future draft capital. They only fully control one first-round pick between now and 2031.
That’s not exactly ideal when you’re trying to build around a generational prospect like Cooper Flagg. Getting that 2027 pick back would allow Dallas to breathe a little easier - and potentially get more aggressive in future deals or drafts.
It also opens up a path to reset the roster without the pressure of immediate contention. Moving Davis - and shedding his hefty $54 million contract - would help the Mavericks dip below the second tax apron, giving them more breathing room financially. That’s a big deal in the new CBA landscape, where financial flexibility is almost as valuable as on-court talent.
What the Hornets Would Be Getting
From Charlotte’s perspective, this is a swing-for-the-fences type of move. Davis, when healthy, is still one of the league’s most impactful two-way players.
Pairing him with Ryan Kalkbrenner in the frontcourt could give the Hornets a legitimate defensive identity, something they’ve sorely lacked. Offensively, Davis would bring a level of star power and experience that could help shape a young core featuring LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel.
The big question is health - both Davis’ and Ball’s. LaMelo has struggled to stay on the court, and Davis has his own well-documented injury history.
That’s a lot of risk for a team that’s still trying to figure out what it has in its young nucleus. But in a wide-open Eastern Conference, a bold move could pay off big - if the pieces stay on the floor.
Why This Makes Sense for Dallas Right Now
For Dallas, the timing couldn’t be better. They’re not in win-now mode - not with Flagg still developing and the roster in flux.
This trade would allow them to lean into the rebuild without completely bottoming out. Bridges and Sexton are both capable rotation players who can help bridge the gap while the team continues to build around its young star.
And again, it all comes back to that 2027 pick. If Dallas can get it back, they regain control over their own future. That’s the kind of asset that opens doors - whether it’s to move up in a future draft, package in a bigger trade, or simply hold onto as insurance.
The Hornets’ Dilemma
For Charlotte, this isn’t a move you make lightly. Yes, Davis could be the missing piece that accelerates their rebuild, but giving up a potentially valuable pick - especially one that could land in the lottery if Dallas struggles again next season - is a big gamble.
They’d need to be fully confident in their core, and in Davis’ ability to stay healthy and lead. That’s a tall order. But if they believe the East is there for the taking, this is the kind of move that could turn heads.
Final Thoughts
This trade - while still in the realm of speculation - highlights the contrasting paths of two franchises. For the Mavericks, it’s about patience, flexibility, and building around a blue-chip prospect. For the Hornets, it’s about deciding whether they’re ready to take a leap - and if Davis is the player who can help them get there.
There’s risk on both sides. But for Dallas, the upside of reclaiming their 2027 pick and resetting the roster around Flagg might just be worth pulling the trigger.