When the Los Angeles Lakers sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the blockbuster deal that brought Luka Dončić to L.A., the reaction around the league was swift-and in some corners, surprisingly dismissive of Davis.
Sure, he’s not the offensive engine Dončić is, especially at this stage in their respective careers. Luka’s a generational scorer and playmaker still in his prime, while Davis, now in his 30s, has battled through a long history of injuries.
But let’s be clear: Anthony Davis is still a high-impact player. He’s a 10-time All-Star for a reason, and when he’s healthy, he can dominate both ends of the floor like few others in the league.
That’s what makes Dallas’ current situation so intriguing-and a little complicated.
According to recent reporting, Davis and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, are looking for clarity from the Mavericks' front office. And it’s not hard to understand why.
Davis is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension this coming August. That’s a massive commitment, and at this stage of his career, Davis wants to know whether Dallas sees him as a cornerstone or a trade chip.
Right now, Davis is under contract for $54.13 million this season, with $58.46 million on the books for 2026-27 and a $62.79 million player option for 2027-28. Those are big numbers, but so is the decision Dallas faces.
Do they lock in Davis as a long-term co-star alongside rising rookie Cooper Flagg? Or do they pivot, potentially moving Davis before the trade deadline in a move that signals a full reset?
That’s the fork in the road Dallas is staring down.
And it’s not an easy call. The Mavericks have looked sharper lately, thanks in large part to improved health across the roster.
Davis has been a stabilizing presence on both ends-anchoring the defense, cleaning the glass, and still capable of putting up 25 and 10 on any given night. His presence gives Dallas a legitimate shot to compete in the West, especially if Flagg continues to develop ahead of schedule.
But if the front office believes the team is still a few years away from true contention-or sees an opportunity to flip Davis for younger assets or future picks-it might make sense to explore the market. Davis’ value remains high, especially for contenders looking for that final piece to push them over the top.
The key question: how committed is Dallas to building around Davis and Flagg as a duo? And how much does Davis want to be part of a team that may still be figuring itself out?
This isn’t just about cap sheets and timelines-it’s about identity. Are the Mavericks going all-in now, or are they laying the groundwork for a longer-term build? Davis and his camp want answers, and the clock is ticking with the trade deadline looming and that massive extension window approaching.
Whatever Dallas decides, it’s going to shape the franchise’s direction for years to come. And for Anthony Davis, it could determine whether his next chapter is spent chasing another title-or helping to build something from the ground up.