There are reasons why the Dallas Mavericks should trade veteran Anthony Davis. There are also reasons why the Mavericks shouldn’t trade him. Here is further insight to help you make an informed decision.
Why the Dallas Mavericks Shouldn’t Trade Anthony Davis
There has been persistent speculation about the Mavs being linked to the Atlanta Hawks. However, speculation is just that until an action is taken or evidence is shown. On Sunday, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is “no meaningful traction” between the Mavs and Hawks involving the 10-time NBA All-Star center.
Specifically, Stein wrote in his Substack newsletter, The Stein Line, “There is no meaningful traction at the moment, league sources say, in trade talks between Atlanta and Dallas on an Anthony Davis swap.”
From Dallas’ point of view, the lack of traction isn’t surprising nor alarming. Dallas should ensure that Davis is healthy to maximize his potential on the court. They might also want to wait until he’s fully healthy to secure a better trade deal, prefer to keep him to maintain team chemistry, and believe he can elevate the team to a true contender when healthy.
Dallas is still managing the fallout of the controversial Luka Doncic trade. The Doncic trade re-shaped the franchise, while destroying the trust of the fans and media members alike. The Doncic trade also cost General Manager Nico Harrison his job.
In a potentially unstable environment without a former face of the franchise in Doncic, Dallas should make a transaction that not only strains the relationship with the fans but also delivers clear-cut value.
Dallas shouldn’t rush to trade Davis. He is not an expiring asset to the team. He’s one of the NBA’s most expensive players. He’s owed more than $58 million in 2026-27 and has a player option in 2027-28.
Potential trade talks with Atlanta have stalled due to a lack of assets, not because of a lack of interest. Specifically, the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick. Dallas is reportedly trying to “pry away” New Orleans’ pick from Atlanta for some time now, per Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix via the Open Floor podcast.
Why the Mavericks Should Trade Davis
The Mavs should trade Davis for several reasons. Aside from being an injury-prone player, the Kentucky basketball alum can be part of a trade for a younger player who would complement Cooper Flagg better.
It is up to the Mavs to trade Davis or not. The NBA’s trade process can be complex, often involving several factors, but the Mavs’ potential decision to trade Davis will likely work out well. His trade value will be lower, but he can provide a boost to another team’s roster and performance when healthy, thanks to his proven track record of excellence.
Davis’ Next Steps
The next steps include potential trade discussions. But for now, Davis should prioritize his short and long-term health so he can help the Mavs win games and build an NBA championship roster. This would be a tall order, but it’s possible if he and Kyrie Irving perform at their peak, while the team finds balance on its roster.
