Anthony Davis isn’t supposed to be on the trade market. He’s injured - again - this time with a wrist issue. But in the NBA, “supposed to” doesn’t carry much weight when front offices see opportunity.
Despite Davis being sidelined, the Dallas Mavericks have reopened trade discussions for the All-Star forward, according to reports from ESPN insiders. But let’s be clear: this isn’t a panic move. The Mavs are playing it cool - exploring the possibilities, not forcing the issue.
Team owner Patrick Dumont isn’t looking to make a splash just for the sake of headlines. A source close to the organization made it clear: there’s no pressure from ownership to get a deal done involving Davis. If it happens, it’ll be because the fit is right - financially and strategically.
And that’s where things get interesting.
If Davis were to land in Dallas before the February 5 trade deadline, it would follow a recent trend we’ve seen across the league - teams acquiring injured stars with an eye toward the future rather than the present. Think back to last season when Toronto made a move for Brandon Ingram, or when Washington gambled on Trae Young. It’s about long-term upside over short-term availability.
Could Davis return in time for a playoff push? Possibly.
But the real play here is bigger than this season. It’s about building a contender around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving - and potentially adding a third star who, when healthy, is still one of the league’s most dominant two-way forces.
Of course, that kind of talent doesn’t come cheap.
Davis is owed $54.1 million this season, with escalating salaries of $58.5 million and $62.8 million over the next two years. The final year is a player option.
And come August 6, he’ll be eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension. That’s not just a blockbuster deal - that’s a franchise-altering financial commitment.
High ceiling, high stakes.
Dallas also has other pieces that could be in play as the deadline approaches. Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford are all under contract through at least next season.
Gafford, in particular, has a fresh three-year extension set to kick in for 2026-27. These are players with real value - either as trade assets or as part of the Mavericks’ supporting cast.
But here’s the catch: the Mavericks are already over the first luxury tax apron, and they’re just $1.1 million shy of the second apron hard cap. If they keep this roster intact, they’re projected to exceed that threshold next season. And once you cross into that territory, flexibility becomes a luxury you no longer have.
So any major move - especially one involving Davis - has to be calculated. This isn’t the time for emotional decisions or rushed trades. It’s about threading the needle between ambition and sustainability.
The Mavericks are in a position where they can dream big - but they’ll have to do it with precision.