NBA Legend Urges Boston Celtics to Trade for Anthony Davis
NBA legend Isiah Thomas, also known as “Zeke,” recently urged the Boston Celtics to trade for Dallas Mavericks veteran Anthony Davis. Here’s why Thomas, 64, wants the Celtics to trade for Davis, 32, amid all of the injuries.
NBA Legend Urges Boston Celtics To Trade for Anthony Davis
Thomas’ recent statement on FanDuel’sRun It Back makes sense. There’s no doubt that the Celtics need a high-caliber starting big man in the near future. Center Neemias Queta has been excellent since stepping into the role, but Queta’s long-term spot in Head Coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation is with the second unit.
Thomas believes the Celtics should aim a bit higher. In a recent appearance on Run It Back, he explained why the team should bring Davis, also known as “AD” and “the Brow,” to the TD Garden.
“I think there are four teams in the East that, if they make a trade for AD, I think they become the favorite,” Thomas said. “And one of them I’m gonna throw out here is probably not being talked about as much, but if Boston makes a trade for AD, the way Boston is playing right now, and Jaylen Brown … I mean, Boston right now has a chance to elevate to that, you know, championship level again if they were to pull off a trade.”
Previously, Boston had an interest in acquiring Davis before the Los Angeles Lakers acquired him in 2019. At the time, Davis’ father, Anthony Davis Sr., made it very clear that he didn’t want his son joining the Celtics.
Celtics May or May Not Trade for Davis
As intriguing as a Davis trade may seem, Boston likely won’t trade for Davis. The Chicago, Illinois, native is 32 years old, will turn 33 on March 11, 2026, and comes with significant injury issues. He may feel the team no longer needs his services. President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Brad Stevens likely won’t make an expensive gamble.
Davis’ current three-year, $175 million contract with the Mavericks will see him earn $54.1 million this season and $62.7 million next season. His current pay is a tremendous amount of money for a player who is widely considered to be an injury-prone forward.
Davis began his NBA career in 2012. The New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) selected the Kentucky basketball alum with the first overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019 to 2025, where he became a 2020 NBA Champion.
Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick were traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 2, 2025, in exchange for Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The three-team trade, which included the Utah Jazz, is widely regarded as one of the most significant and unexpected trades in NBA history.
Next Steps
When healthy, Davis is one of the best players in the NBA. However, one shouldn’t let the sentimental feelings overpower the reality of the league. His healthy periods are becoming few and far between, and not worth the money.
The Mavs are already cautious with his injuries. That is something the Celtics shouldn’t bear the burden of, especially as the team actively pursues a playoff season, builds a strong roster, and develops young talent.
Thomas is correct, but the Celtics should look for a younger, healthier center. The team may want to consider checking out the Brooklyn Nets’ Nic Claxton, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Ivica Zubac, and the Mavs’ Daniel Gafford — all of which are solid, versatile centers.
