In a surprising twist that has sent ripples through the NBA landscape, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly taking calls on a potential trade involving superstar forward/center Anthony Davis. The development, which few around the league saw coming, suggests that the Mavericks are considering a major shakeup just weeks after their run to the NBA Finals.
Davis, one of the league’s premier big men, was acquired by Dallas in a blockbuster trade just last season. Pairing him with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving created a formidable trio that powered the Mavericks to the Western Conference title before ultimately falling short against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Davis was a key piece in that postseason run, providing elite defense, rebounding, and inside scoring. However, lingering questions about his long-term fit alongside Dončić and Irving—as well as his injury history and contract size—appear to have prompted the Mavericks’ front office to reconsider their future direction.
According to league sources, multiple teams have reached out to gauge the Mavericks’ willingness to part with Davis, and Dallas has not dismissed those inquiries outright. Instead, the organization is reportedly listening with “measured openness,” signaling that while a trade isn’t imminent, it is not off the table. Teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks are believed to be among the early parties expressing interest.
The decision to entertain trade discussions likely stems from several intersecting factors. First, there is the reality of Davis’ contract. He is currently signed to a massive deal that will pay him over $40 million annually through at least the 2027–28 season. While that figure is commensurate with his talent, it places a significant strain on the Mavericks’ cap flexibility—particularly as they aim to build a deeper, more balanced roster around their stars.
Secondly, there’s the on-court dynamic. While Davis’ defensive impact and interior presence were invaluable during the Mavericks’ playoff run, his offensive fit with Dončić and Irving has been inconsistent. At times, spacing issues emerged, and Davis’ touches in the offense fluctuated dramatically depending on matchups and game flow. The Mavericks may be considering whether a more versatile stretch big or a stronger perimeter defender might offer a better stylistic complement to their existing core.
Injuries also remain a concern. Despite a mostly healthy 2024–25 season, Davis has a long history of missing significant time due to various ailments. For a franchise hoping to maximize its championship window while Dončić is in his prime, the uncertainty surrounding Davis’ durability could be viewed as a long-term liability.
On the other side of the ledger, trading Davis is no small decision. The 31-year-old is a future Hall of Famer who remains one of the most dominant two-way players in the NBA when healthy. His ability to alter games defensively, protect the rim, and anchor the paint was a huge reason Dallas made a deep playoff run. Replacing that production would be extremely difficult, and any trade would need to yield substantial assets—either in the form of an All-Star-caliber player, high draft picks, or a combination of both.
There’s also the matter of team chemistry. By all accounts, Davis had a solid relationship with both Dončić and Irving, and the trio reportedly bonded during their playoff journey. A sudden trade could disrupt that chemistry and send an uncertain message to the locker room. That’s why Mavericks President of Basketball Operations Nico Harrison and General Manager Michael Finley are expected to proceed with extreme caution and weigh all variables before making a decision.
From the league’s perspective, Davis being available—even conditionally—could reshape the summer trade market. Several contending teams that have lacked interior defense or star power could see Davis as the missing piece. His championship pedigree and postseason experience make him one of the most desirable targets, despite the financial and health-related caveats.
For the Mavericks, this could be a strategic play to gauge the market value of Davis before committing to another season with their current core. By signaling their willingness to listen, they may be trying to extract maximum leverage in potential trade talks—or at the very least, keep their options open in a fast-changing Western Conference landscape.
It remains to be seen how serious Dallas is about moving Davis or whether this is more of an exploratory phase. However, one thing is clear: the Mavericks are not standing still. After coming so close to the NBA’s ultimate prize, the organization appears determined to find the perfect formula to return and win it all. Whether that includes Anthony Davis or not may be one of the defining questions of the NBA offseason.
