Mavericks’ Gamble on Anthony Davis Is Already Proving Costly
The Dallas Mavericks took a massive swing when they brought in Anthony Davis - and nearly a year later, that gamble is looking more like a misfire than a masterstroke.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Davis arrived in Dallas 305 days ago, fresh off a strong season with the Lakers where he played 76 games and looked like he’d finally shaken off the injury woes that had followed him for years.
The Mavericks, in a bold move that stunned the league, shipped out Luka Dončić - a perennial MVP candidate - and handed the keys to Davis. It was a franchise-altering decision, and one that came with sky-high expectations.
Fast-forward to now, and Davis has suited up for just 16 regular-season games in a Mavericks uniform. He’s in the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension, and his availability - or lack thereof - has become the defining storyline of his time in Dallas.
A Missed Opportunity in the Offseason
Back in the summer, Davis’ trade value was peaking. According to reports at the time, teams were willing to part with four or even five first-round picks to land the 32-year-old big man. That kind of return could’ve jumpstarted a rebuild around top draft pick Cooper Flagg - a rare opportunity to reset the franchise after winning the lottery.
But the Mavericks didn’t pull the trigger. They held onto Davis, banking on his ability to anchor a contender rather than flipping him for assets and building around youth. That decision is now looming large.
Davis’ value has since dipped - and not just a little. Injuries have once again taken center stage.
He had offseason eye surgery, showed up to training camp out of shape, and strained his left calf just five games into the season. He missed 14 straight games early on, and while he’s had flashes of his old form, the league isn’t ignoring the red flags.
Teams are wary. Davis is still respected - you don’t just forget his All-Defensive pedigree or the two-way dominance he’s shown when healthy.
But at his age, with his injury history and a max contract in hand, the market isn’t what it was six months ago. Right now, the Mavericks would be lucky to get one or two first-round picks, some matching salary, and maybe a young piece or two in return.
That’s a far cry from the haul they could’ve commanded in July.
The Fallout From a Franchise-Altering Trade
Part of the reason Dallas didn’t move Davis earlier likely comes down to former GM Nico Harrison. He was the architect of the Dončić-for-Davis swap - a move that was always going to define his tenure.
Trading Davis just months after acquiring him would’ve been an admission that the deal didn’t work. Harrison bet big, and he doubled down.
But that bet didn’t pay off. Just 11 games into the season, team governor Patrick Dumont made the call to part ways with Harrison - a move many felt should’ve come during the offseason. A summer shake-up could’ve given a new front office the time and flexibility to reorient the franchise around Flagg, potentially moving Davis while his value was still intact.
Instead, Dallas held on - and now they’re stuck in a tough spot.
What Comes Next?
There’s still a strong chance Davis is moved before the February 5 trade deadline. The Mavericks are expected to explore every option, and they’ll be aiming to get back a package that includes young players, draft picks, and perhaps most importantly, expiring contracts to create future cap flexibility.
But expectations should be tempered. Davis isn’t likely to bring back a Desmond Bane- or Mikal Bridges-type return - those four- or five-pick packages just aren’t on the table anymore. His injury history, age, and contract have all conspired to drag down his trade value, and Dallas is now left hoping they can salvage something meaningful before the deadline.
A Harsh Lesson in Timing
The NBA moves fast. A player’s value can swing wildly in just a few months - and the Davis situation is a prime example.
The Mavericks had a window to capitalize, to pivot toward a future built around their new young star. Instead, they held steady, and now they’re paying the price.
Anthony Davis still has the talent to be a difference-maker. But the question in Dallas isn’t whether he can play - it’s whether the Mavericks waited too long to move on.