Anthony Davis Trade Watch: Mavericks Weigh Options as Deadline Looms
With the trade deadline fast approaching, Anthony Davis remains one of the most intriguing names on the board-but the list of suitors is starting to shrink. According to recent reports, both the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors, once loosely linked to Davis, are no longer in active discussions with Dallas. That narrows the field, and for the Mavericks, it sharpens the focus.
Let’s start with the obvious: Davis isn’t on the floor right now. He’s expected to miss at least six weeks after suffering ligament damage in his left hand, and he’s chosen to rehab rather than undergo surgery. That decision keeps the door open for a return this season, but it also underscores the central issue that’s followed Davis throughout his career-availability.
When healthy, Davis is still a force. In 20 games this season, he’s averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks.
Those are impact numbers, no question. But the problem isn’t production-it’s durability.
And for a Mavericks team sitting 12th in the Western Conference, that matters more than ever.
Inside the organization, there are voices pushing to keep Davis in the fold. The idea of pairing him with rising star Cooper Flagg and veteran Kyrie Irving has some appeal.
On paper, that trio offers a blend of youth, experience, and two-way versatility. But paper doesn’t win games-availability does.
And that’s where the calculus gets tricky.
There’s also the long-term picture to consider. Dallas controls its own first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft-the last time they’ll do so until 2031.
That’s a major piece of context. If the Mavericks continue to slide in the standings, the logic of tanking becomes more compelling.
Holding onto Davis might help in the short term, but moving him could position the franchise for a more strategic reset.
Then there’s the financial layer. Davis is making $54.1 million this season and becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in August.
That’s a massive commitment for a player with a lengthy injury history and just 29 games played in a Mavericks uniform since arriving in the Luka Dončić blockbuster. Agent Rich Paul is reportedly pushing for that extension, but it’s unclear whether Dallas is ready-or willing-to go all in.
That tension could be the tipping point. If the Mavericks aren’t prepared to offer Davis the deal he’s looking for, trade talks could heat up again.
The Hawks have already moved on, dealing Trae Young in a franchise-shifting decision. Toronto, meanwhile, is sitting fourth in the East and has a working relationship with Paul after extending Brandon Ingram.
But neither team appears to be in on Davis anymore, at least for now.
So where does that leave things? Davis is still very much in play, but the market isn’t what it was a few weeks ago.
Whether Dallas decides to ride it out, pivot toward a rebuild, or find a new trade partner, one thing’s clear: the clock is ticking. The deadline is February 5, and the Mavericks have some big decisions to make-ones that could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.