The Dallas Mavericks never truly embraced Anthony Davis, a 10-time All-Star selection who was once primed to be the face of the NBA. This largely stems from parameters of the infamous trade that brought him to the Lone Star State. Fans, media and even executives have found it difficult to fully appreciate Davis because it required them to sacrifice Luka Doncic.
However, even if Doncic was still with the Mavs, it’s quite possible that Dallas would still be determined to move on from Davis. For starters, for all of his talent, he’s injury-prone. Over the past eight seasons, he’s only played 60+ games twice. Furthermore, he’ll turn 33 years old in March, a relatively advanced age in professional sports. Unfortunately for Dallas, these are the very reasons that Davis has proven difficult to trade.
Will Anthony Davis Trade Have To Wait Until The Offseason?
As the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline approaches, Davis is being linked to multiple teams. Among those potential suitors, the Atlanta Hawks may be leading the charge. Of course, the Hawks are in limbo themselves as Jalen Johnson has emerged as the team’s on-court leader, placing Trae Young‘s future in the crosshairs. With that being said, popular Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul sees Atlanta as an acceptable destination for Davis, per The Stein Line’s Marc Stein.
If Davis (or Paul) does want to eventually end up with the Hawks though, they may have to wait until the offseason, according to The Athletic’s Josh Robbins:
“Any trade involving Anthony Davis might require the participation of multiple additional teams, and a large multi-team deal could be so complicated that it would be easier to accomplish during the offseason.”
Let’s make the conundrum clearer.
At this juncture, the Hawks are reluctant to give up 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher or the 2026 first-round pick that they’ll receive from the New Orleans Pelicans in a deal for Davis. They are presumably willing to trade Young. Still, the Mavericks don’t appear to be heads over heels about the four-time All-Star.
Eventually, Davis could land in Atlanta as Young flies to Dallas. Nevertheless, it doesn’t appear particularly likely. So, for now, Davis and the Mavs may be stuck with each other.
What About His Other Suitors?
Due to their youth, the Detroit Pistons aren’t seen as a great fit for Davis, per DallasHoopsJournal.com reporter Grant Afseth. The Toronto Raptors’ core is further ahead in their timeline from an experience perspective. Yet, they may not be able to put together an ideal package for Davis.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have more reason to press for a blockbuster trade than any of the aforementioned teams. Both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are closing in on retirement. For myriad reasons, Jonathan Kuminga has not become the All-Star he believes he can be. Yet, they won’t make a splash move just to say they tried, as Warriors head coach Steve Kerr relays. Furthermore, Golden State would likely prefer a prized shooter like Trey Murphy III if they did move key assets.
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