Could Anthony Davis Be Headed Home? Trade Rumor Links Star Big Man to Chicago
Anthony Davis back in Chicago? It’s the kind of headline that turns heads - and according to a new trade proposal making the rounds, it’s not as far-fetched as it might seem.
A hypothetical deal has surfaced that would send the Mavericks’ All-Star big man to the Bulls in exchange for a package centered around Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, a top-three protected 2030 first-round pick, and a 2031 pick swap. On paper, it’s a bold move for both sides - but there’s enough smoke here to warrant a closer look.
Let’s break it down.
Why the Bulls Would Make This Move
Chicago’s sitting just below .500 and still searching for a long-term franchise cornerstone. Anthony Davis, a Chicago native, would instantly become the face of the franchise - and not just because of the hometown connection. Even with injury concerns, Davis brings elite two-way potential that few bigs in the league can match.
Pairing Davis with Nikola Vucevic might raise some spacing and mobility questions, but offensively, it gives the Bulls a high-IQ frontcourt with passing and scoring versatility. More importantly, Davis’ defensive presence could free up younger players like Josh Giddey and rookie Matas Buzelis to play more aggressively on the perimeter. Davis as a defensive anchor changes the entire dynamic of this team.
And let’s not overlook the narrative. Davis returning to his hometown in the twilight of his prime could energize a fanbase that’s been hungry for a superstar since the Derrick Rose era.
What’s in It for Dallas?
The Mavericks are 6-15 and trending in the wrong direction. After parting ways with GM Nico Harrison, there’s a growing sense that a roster shake-up could be next - and Davis is the obvious trade chip.
He’s missed time this season with a calf issue, appearing in just six games so far, but when he’s on the floor, the production is still there: 19.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. The problem is availability - and for a team trying to build around Luka Dončić, that’s a concern.
This proposed deal gives Dallas a chance to retool with younger, more durable pieces. Coby White has shown real growth as a scorer and playmaker, Kevin Huerter brings shooting and floor-spacing, and Zach Collins adds frontcourt depth with a bit of edge. Add in a future first-rounder and a pick swap, and the Mavericks get some flexibility for the post-Davis era.
It’s not a superstar haul, but it’s a reset button - and sometimes that’s what a franchise needs when things start to stall.
The Davis Factor
Davis doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so if Dallas decides to move him, they won’t be handcuffed. But they are expected to work closely with his camp, led by Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul, to find a destination that makes sense for both sides.
What complicates things is his contract. Davis is making $54.1 million this season, with a player option looming in 2027-28 worth $62.8 million. That’s a hefty price tag, especially for a player who’s struggled with durability.
Still, even with the injuries, Davis remains one of the most talented big men in the game. Teams around the league reportedly want to see him slim down and regain some of the mobility that made him a defensive terror in his prime.
But his career averages - 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds - speak for themselves. He’s a difference-maker when healthy.
What Comes Next?
This isn’t a done deal - far from it. But the idea of Davis heading to Chicago is more than just a feel-good story. It’s a potential win-win for two franchises at a crossroads.
For the Bulls, it’s a chance to anchor the franchise around a hometown superstar. For the Mavericks, it’s a chance to pivot, retool, and give Luka the supporting cast he needs for the long haul.
The trade deadline is still a ways off, but if Dallas continues to slide and Davis can’t stay on the court, expect the noise around his future to get louder. And if Chicago decides it’s time to swing big? Don’t be surprised if Davis is at the center of it all.