NBA Trade Deadline Buzz: Mavericks Cooling on Davis Deal, Hornets Holding Firm, and More Rumblings Across the League
As the trade deadline inches closer, the Mavericks are finding themselves at a crossroads with Anthony Davis. Earlier this season, Dallas was shopping the veteran big man with a steep asking price - multiple first-round picks or a high-impact player. That price tag didn’t draw any serious bites, even before Davis suffered a hand injury that’s expected to keep him out through the deadline.
Now, a deal before the buzzer isn’t off the table, but it would require a significant pivot from Dallas. The sense around the league is that the Mavs would need to lower their expectations - think one solid asset and some salary filler - if they want to move Davis before the offseason. But with no pressing urgency to make a move, the smarter play might be to wait until summer when the market resets and more options could open up for the 32-year-old.
That said, Dallas isn’t expected to sit out the deadline entirely. Rival executives believe the Mavs are eyeing moves to trim their salary commitments for the 2026-27 season.
Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and D’Angelo Russell are all names to watch here - each carrying guaranteed money or, in Russell’s case, a player option for next year. If the Mavs can flip any of them for players on expiring deals, it could ease future cap concerns and potentially eliminate the need to move Davis at all.
Around the League: Trade Talk Heating Up
Charlotte Standing Pat on Bridges
Miles Bridges has been a name floated in trade circles for weeks, but don’t expect the Hornets to pull the trigger. Despite drawing real interest from several teams, Charlotte’s recent surge - seven straight wins and now just a game out of the play-in - has shifted the calculus.
The Hornets had been seeking at least a first-round pick for Bridges, but league sources now say he’s “highly likely” to stay put through the deadline. Given the momentum Charlotte’s building, it’s hard to blame them for wanting to keep their core intact.
Kings and Raptors Talking Sabonis - But It’s Complicated
The Kings have been active in talks with the Raptors about a potential Domantas Sabonis deal, and those discussions are reportedly built around a three- or four-for-one package. RJ Barrett is the headliner on Toronto’s side, with names like Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick also in the mix.
Sacramento is also said to have interest in rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, but that’s where things get sticky - the Raptors are reportedly reluctant to let the young forward go, and could dig in to keep him. Still, the framework is there, and it’s a situation worth monitoring as the deadline approaches.
Pistons Playing It Cool - For Now
Don’t expect a major shakeup in Detroit. The Pistons have been quiet in trade talks and haven’t shown much interest in moving veteran forward Tobias Harris.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff even called Harris his “security blanket,” a nod to the steady presence he brings to an otherwise young roster.
The Pistons still have a $14 million trade exception in their back pocket, but with that not expiring until July 7, they could easily hold onto it for offseason flexibility. If the right deal comes up, they’ll listen - but they’re not forcing anything.
Sixers Linked to Boucher, But Interest May Be Overstated
The Sixers were recently linked to Celtics forward/center Chris Boucher in a report suggesting exploratory interest. But don’t read too much into that just yet.
Despite Boucher’s past connection to head coach Nick Nurse, a source close to the team has reportedly downplayed any serious pursuit. It seems like Philadelphia is doing its homework - as any smart front office would - but this one doesn’t appear to be gaining traction.
With the trade deadline looming, front offices are working the phones, weighing short-term gains against long-term vision. Some teams are pushing chips in; others are holding their cards.
One thing’s for sure - the next few days could get interesting. Stay tuned.