Dallas Mavericks Not In a Rush To Trade Anthony Davis
The Dallas Mavericks aren’t in a rush to trade star veteran Anthony Davis, despite Davis’ extensive list of injuries. Here’s why.
Dallas Mavericks Not In a Rush To Trade Anthony Davis
Many people thought that Davis would be off the NBA’s top trade candidates list because of his wrist injury. And, earlier this month, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Dallas Mavericks renewed trade talks regarding Davis, 32.
This does not mean that Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont and the Mavericks’ front office are rushing to trade the 32-year-old within the next nine days. The NBA trade deadline for the 2025-26 season is on Feb. 5 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.
“Patrick is not going to sign off on a deal just to do a deal,” a source told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Ownership doesn’t feel any pressure to do an AD deal.”
If Davis is moved before the deadline, the move would follow a recent pattern of “pre-agency,” teams trading for injured players now for next season. Although there’s a chance that Davis could return in time for the NBA Playoffs.
A deadline deal for Davis would be similar to the Toronto Raptors’ move to acquire star Forward Brandon Ingram last February, and when the Washington Wizards traded for star Point Guard Trae Young in January.
Mavericks’ Outlook With Davis
The Mavericks’ outlook with Davis appears to be a stalemate, a situation in which further action or progress by opposing or competing parties seems impossible. He is under contract for this season ($54.1 million) and two more seasons ($58.5 million and $62.8 million), with the final year as a player option in 2027-28. On August 6, he will become eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension.
When healthy, he’s a power forward and center who could be a player to watch, thanks to his exceptional skill set. He could be a defensive anchor and an offensive force. The Mavericks have three more players who would appeal to playoff teams: Forward Naji Marshall, veteran star Klay Thompson, and Forward Daniel Gafford. Marshall, 28, Thompson, 35, and Gafford, 27, are all under contract through at least next season. Gafford signed a three-year, $54.4 million contract extension that will begin in 2026-27.
The Mavs are over the first apron, so they aren’t allowed to take back more salary in a trade. The team is $1.1 million below the second apron hard cap. The team is projected to be over the second apron next season if the roster stays intact after the trade deadline.
Did You Know?
The Mavs’ top draft assets to use in trades are a 2029 unprotected first-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers) and a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick. The team’s other notable draft assets are a first-round pick swap in 2031 or 2032 and two second-round picks.
The Mavs return to action on Wednesday night in the first game of a two-game homestand vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central.
The Mavs will host Norm Sonju Bobblehead Night, with the first 5,000 fans receiving a Norm Sonju bobblehead. Sonju, now 87, co-founded the team and served as the team’s President and General Manager from 1980 to 1996.
The Mavericks can beat the Timberwolves with offensive focus, defensive strength, and team coordination. Minnesota can defeat Dallas by using its defensive strength while limiting turnovers.
