Anthony Davis Trade Buzz Cools as Mavericks Eye Competitive Push - Summer May Be a Different Story
Anthony Davis has already etched his name into championship lore, helping deliver a title to Los Angeles. So it’s no surprise that fans across the league still dream of seeing the big man in their team’s colors. But if you were hoping to see Davis on the move before the trade deadline, pump the brakes - because the Dallas Mavericks aren’t in any rush to deal.
According to team sources, the Mavericks are signaling a clear intention to stay competitive through the rest of the season. That’s despite the fact that their 2026 first-round pick is the only one they fully control until 2031.
Translation: Dallas is operating with limited draft capital, but they’re not looking to tear it all down. They believe they have too much talent on the roster to tank - and frankly, they’re not wrong.
This isn’t a team circling the drain. It’s a squad with enough firepower to make some noise, even if they’re not currently sitting at the top of the Western Conference. That belief has shaped their approach to the trade market - not as sellers desperate to unload, but as a front office willing to listen while staying firmly in the driver’s seat.
Yes, conversations about Davis could still happen. But don’t expect Dallas to jump at any offer unless it moves the needle. There’s no fire sale coming, and any deal involving Davis would have to be the kind that makes both basketball and business sense.
Davis Holds Leverage - and the Summer Could Be a Pivot Point
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Davis’ contract gives him some leverage.
He’s got one guaranteed year left after this season (2026-27), followed by a player option for 2027-28. That setup gives him the kind of flexibility that can shift the power dynamic - especially if he decides he wants a change of scenery after this season.
And Dallas? They’re not blind to that possibility.
In fact, the Mavericks may be eyeing the 2026 offseason as the right time to explore a move. By holding onto Davis through the end of the current campaign, they give him a full season to reassert his All-Star value - and give themselves a better shot at maximizing his trade return.
There’s also the reality that the summer tends to be a more active time for blockbuster deals. Teams are retooling, optimism is high, and front offices are more willing to swing big. If Davis finishes the season strong, his market could heat up in a hurry - and Dallas would be in a prime position to capitalize.
No Rush - But No Closed Doors Either
For now, the Mavericks are playing it smart. They’re not closing the door on trade talks, but they’re also not panicking. They’ve got a star big man under contract, a roster they believe in, and a timeline that gives them options.
As for Davis, this stretch could be about proving he’s still one of the league’s premier two-way forces - whether that’s to help Dallas make a playoff push or to boost his stock ahead of a potential summer move. Either way, meaningful basketball is still on the table.
So while the trade chatter around Davis may cool for now, don’t mistake that for the end of the story. The real drama might just be waiting until the offseason.