NBA Trade Buzz: Mavericks Hit Pause, Warriors Gauge Kuminga Market, Raptors Test Poeltl’s Value
With the trade deadline inching closer, front offices across the league are doing what they do best this time of year-working the phones, weighing the market, and trying to thread the needle between short-term improvement and long-term flexibility. Here's where things stand for three teams navigating tricky trade waters: the Mavericks, Warriors, and Raptors.
Mavericks Likely to Stand Pat on Anthony Davis-for Now
The Mavericks appear poised to ride out the current situation with Anthony Davis, at least in the short term.
League executives believe Davis’ trade value has taken a hit due to his ongoing recovery from a hand injury. That kind of uncertainty makes any potential move complicated-unless Dallas is willing to treat it as a pure salary dump, which doesn’t seem to be the direction they’re looking to go.
The Hawks, long rumored as a potential landing spot, have reportedly cooled on the idea now that Davis is back on the injury report. That’s effectively shut down what was already a limited market. For now, it looks like Dallas is content to hold and reassess later, especially with Davis' value not where it could be if he were fully healthy and producing.
Warriors Testing the Waters on Kuminga, But Options Are Slim
Golden State is still exploring the trade market for Jonathan Kuminga, but the list of serious suitors isn’t exactly growing.
At one point, the Heat were seen as a potential fit, but that interest has reportedly waned. The Wizards, another team that might have been in the mix, aren’t expected to make a real push either.
One team to keep an eye on? The Trail Blazers.
There's believed to be mutual interest there, and Portland’s timeline and developmental focus could make Kuminga an intriguing piece for them. Still, nothing appears imminent, and the Warriors are likely to stay patient unless a deal clearly moves the needle.
Kuminga remains a tantalizing talent-athletic, versatile, and still just scratching the surface-but the Warriors are in a tough spot. They want to compete now, but moving a young player with upside for the right return is easier said than done.
Raptors Listening on Poeltl, But Market is Tepid
Toronto is also doing some exploratory work, gauging the trade value of Jakob Poeltl. But expectations are modest at best.
Poeltl has been dealing with back issues this season, and he’s owed $103.5 million over the next four years after this one-a hefty commitment that’s giving teams pause. Around the league, that contract is being viewed more as a hurdle than an asset.
While Poeltl offers size, rebounding, and interior defense, the combination of health concerns and the financial commitment is dampening enthusiasm. Unless the Raptors are willing to get creative or lower their asking price, this could be more of a “check the temperature” situation than a precursor to a deal.
What’s Next?
With the trade deadline looming, these situations can change quickly-especially if players get healthy or teams hit a rough patch that forces a recalibration. But as it stands, the Mavericks seem content to wait on Davis, the Warriors are still in exploratory mode with Kuminga, and the Raptors are testing the waters with Poeltl without much traction.
It’s the calm before the storm. But in the NBA, things can escalate fast.