Mavericks' Anthony Davis Trade Speculation Mounts: A Comprehensive Ranking of NBA Suitors

Anthony Davis’s journey in the National Basketball Association has been punctuated by two high-profile trades, each yielding significant returns for his former teams. The initial transaction, when Davis was a 26-year-old All-NBA big man, saw him command a substantial package, reflecting his immediate impact and perceived upside. His skill set, characterized by elite interior defense and scoring, seamlessly aligned with the league’s evolving stylistic preferences. Every franchise reportedly sought his services, allowing him to largely dictate his destination and leading to a near-complete asset strip for the acquiring team.

His second trade, occurring six years later, remarkably garnered an even more lucrative haul. This was despite Davis being 32, having endured a series of notable injuries, and failing to develop the consistent three-point shot many teams had hoped for. Such disproportionately large trade returns often stem from a single, highly motivated bidder. Sources close to the situation indicated that then-Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison was singularly fixated on acquiring Davis, leading to an "irrational" overpayment. Comparably, players like Desmond Bane and Mikal Bridges, while valuable, did not intrinsically command four or five first-round picks in a neutral market, underscoring the impact of an eager suitor.

With Nico Harrison’s departure from the Mavericks, a presumed shift towards more rational front-office operations is anticipated. This strategic pivot is expected to precipitate a third Anthony Davis trade, primarily as the Mavericks’ most viable avenue to recoup the substantial draft capital previously relinquished by Harrison. A team currently structured around an 18-year-old cornerstone has little incentive to retain a 32-year-old veteran who prefers to play the younger player’s optimal position. Furthermore, with Dallas lacking control over its own first-round picks between 2027 and 2030, a strategic "tank" in 2026 becomes paramount. Trading Davis now, while his market value remains reasonably high, not only facilitates this objective but also mitigates the risk of further injuries or age-related decline diminishing his trade equity.

The projected return for Davis, however, is likely to be considerably less robust than his initial trade. At 32, Davis carries an injury-prone label, lacks a reliable perimeter shot, and has expressed a preference for power forward over center, which can create roster construction challenges. His performance before his most recent injury reportedly reflected some of the lowest points in his career. Consequently, he is no longer considered an automatic high-value trade candidate.

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Nonetheless, a trade package somewhat akin to his second acquisition remains feasible. While he will not command a generational talent like Luka Dončić, Davis’s inherent talent persists. Prior to his trade to Dallas, he averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds. He consistently ranked among the top five to ten defensive players in the NBA and possesses the versatility to integrate into diverse schematic approaches. Despite a history of minor ailments, he has avoided career-altering injuries such as Achilles or ACL tears. His playoff performances have, by and large, been spectacular.

It is plausible that a contender will view Davis through a similar lens as the Mavericks did last February: as the crucial missing piece for a championship bid or, at minimum, an accessible star capable of elevating their immediate competitive standing. This scenario would be most favorable for Davis, particularly as he becomes extension-eligible this offseason. While many teams might hesitate to commit long-term to a player with his age and injury history, the "right" team would likely embrace that calculated risk.

The following analysis ranks all 29 NBA teams, excluding the Mavericks, as potential trade destinations for Anthony Davis. The objective is to identify franchises unlikely to mount a serious pursuit versus those with the motivation and assets to do so. A singular, obvious trade partner is not apparent; even the top-ranked teams likely harbor significant reservations. However, the higher a team’s ranking, the greater the probability they perceive the rewards of acquiring Davis as outweighing the inherent risks. It is projected that Davis will likely be playing for a team in the upper half of this list within the coming months.

Tier XV: Functionally Impossible

29. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers face severe restrictions due to their position above the second salary apron. NBA rules prevent them from aggregating salaries in trades, and no single Cleveland player earns more than Davis. To execute a legal trade for Davis, Cleveland would need to drop below the second apron within the transaction itself. Currently, the Cavaliers are approximately $22 million above this threshold, rendering a deal functionally impossible. Furthermore, with their existing roster composition, the Cavaliers’ strategic needs do not align with acquiring Davis.

Tier XIV: Misaligned Timelines

28. Utah Jazz
27. Washington Wizards
26. Brooklyn Nets
These three franchises are currently in various stages of rebuilding, making a move for a 32-year-old max-salary player strategically illogical. Each team also possesses either young or prime-age centers, further diminishing the fit for Davis. While the Nets might theoretically consider acquiring Davis at a significantly reduced price to then facilitate another star acquisition, such a scenario is highly speculative and outside their current operational scope.

Tier XIII: Salary Structure Incompatibility

25. Denver Nuggets
24. Orlando Magic
The Denver Nuggets could hypothetically construct a trade around Jamal Murray’s salary, but Murray earns $10 million less than Davis, necessitating additional salary matching. Crucially, trading Murray would decimate Denver’s guard creation depth. While a package involving Aaron Gordon and smaller salaries is possible, Gordon’s defensive versatility and role already provide much of what Denver would seek from Davis.

The Orlando Magic, meanwhile, have adopted a center-by-committee approach, distributing minutes and salaries among Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, Moe Wagner, and Jonathan Isaac. Having recently traded significant draft capital for Desmond Bane, Orlando is also bracing for substantial salary commitments with Paolo Banchero’s impending max deal, joining Bane, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Given their existing shooting deficiencies, converting any of their expensive younger assets into an older, non-shooting big man like Davis would exacerbate current roster imbalances.

Tier XII: Insufficient Trade Assets

23. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns’ potential offer for Davis would likely resemble the package they received for Kevin Durant, but critically, without any first-round picks to include. Their previous deal saw them take on Jalen Green as matching salary, a player who reportedly generated limited league-wide interest in a three-team swap. The inclusion of unproven prospects like Khaman Maluach, particularly when Dallas already possesses a young center in Dereck Lively, offers little appeal. While Dillon Brooks is a capable 3-and-D role player, he is insufficient to headline a Davis trade. A pairing of Devin Booker and Davis holds significant on-court potential, but the Suns’ cupboard of tradeable assets is currently too bare to construct a viable offer.

Tier XI: Existing Archetype

22. Oklahoma City Thunder
21. San Antonio Spurs
20. Memphis Grizzlies
While Anthony Davis could theoretically co-exist with Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), or Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies), these teams already possess elite, younger rim-protectors who also offer superior three-point shooting. The Thunder derive sufficient value from a second big man in Isaiah Hartenstein, who costs half of Davis’s salary and was acquired via free agency, preserving assets. San Antonio’s Luke Kornet provides a similar, albeit less impactful, role at a fraction of Davis’s cost. The Grizzlies, already managing a roster with multiple injured big men (Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama), are unlikely to pursue Davis, particularly given their current 4-8 record and existing challenges with their own injury-prone star, Ja Morant, who also lacks consistent perimeter shooting. For teams with an existing "Davis-esque" player, the motivation to acquire Davis at max money is negligible.

Tier X: Youth Development Focus

19. Houston Rockets
18. Miami Heat
17. Detroit Pistons
16. Portland Trail Blazers
Alperen Sengun for the Houston Rockets has transcended the "young player" label, establishing himself as an All-Star. Any request for Sengun in a Davis trade would be met with immediate rejection from Houston. Playing Davis alongside Sengun would present challenges, particularly on a team that also features developing shooters like Amen Thompson. The Rockets already lead the NBA in rebounding rate and are efficient in paint scoring and defense, indicating no immediate need for another high-level big.

Miami, Detroit, and Portland, while potentially seeking star talent in the future, are unlikely to target Davis. The Heat reportedly declined to trade Kel’El Ware for Kevin Durant, and Ware’s Year 2 development has been significant, making a breakup of his partnership with Bam Adebayo improbable. The Pistons are witnessing a breakout season from Jalen Duren, with Isaiah Stewart providing elite rim protection; any pursuit of a larger player would likely target a shooter like Lauri Markkanen. Portland, similarly, has been impressed by Donovan Clingan’s second season and Toumani Camara’s defensive capabilities. With these three teams already experiencing success, a trade for Davis does not align with their current trajectories.

Tier IX: Strategic Asset Allocation

15. Milwaukee Bucks
14. Los Angeles Clippers
These teams possess the theoretical interest and assets for a Davis trade, but the motivation is questionable given their limited draft capital. The Bucks hold only one tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032). The Clippers possess two (2030 and 2032), though both carry some risk due to the ongoing Kawhi Leonard investigation. Each team has, at most, one significant future move to make in the coming seasons.

For Milwaukee, the answer is likely negative. They recently acquired Myles Turner, and their performance has been strong. A significant upgrade would more likely target a wing defender or a more established guard. While winning now is a priority given Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impending extension decision, Davis does not address their primary needs.

The Clippers could potentially justify a move depending on their short-term performance. John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanović offer relatively smooth salary matching. Acquiring two unprotected Clippers picks would represent a substantial win for Dallas. The viability of a Davis-Ivica Zubac frontcourt is debatable, requiring significant shooting elsewhere, which the Clippers, with numerous defensive-minded wings, may struggle to provide. However, with the Clippers currently at 3-7 and reports suggesting Leonard’s potential departure, the franchise may prioritize building for a post-Leonard era rather than committing more assets to the present.

Tier VIII: Salary Structure Roadblocks

13. Boston Celtics
Davis would likely be more receptive to Boston now than in 2019, as they represent a contender with a clear void at center. However, the salary implications are formidable. The Celtics are unlikely to trade Jaylen Brown, who is younger, a franchise cornerstone, and performing exceptionally well. A trade built around Derrick White and Anfernee Simons, while possible, would result in three players on supermax contracts (Davis, Brown, Jayson Tatum). This is likely unfeasible in the second-apron era, particularly considering Davis’s injury history and Tatum’s recovery from a torn Achilles. While the temptation of a Davis-Brown-Tatum core is strong, maintaining a functional supporting cast with such significant financial commitments to three players would be nearly impossible.

Tier VII: Unconventional Pursuit

12. Toronto Raptors
A Davis trade for the Toronto Raptors presents an unconventional scenario with questionable alignment for all parties. The Raptors are currently a .500 team paying the luxury tax, making a long-term commitment to a 32-year-old Davis and a potential championship contention unlikely. Dallas would also likely find Toronto’s available matching salaries unappealing. However, the Raptors possess all of their future draft picks and currently lack a clear organizational direction. Acquiring Davis, while not an "inspired" move, would at least represent a definitive strategic pivot.

Tier VI: Emerging Considerations

11. Charlotte Hornets
10. New Orleans Pelicans
The Charlotte Hornets are not a win-now team, but Davis could be a compelling acquisition if the price is right. The Hornets are in dire need of veteran leadership, and Davis addresses a critical positional need. His pick-and-roll synergy with LaMelo Ball would be highly effective, and his presence could elevate Charlotte into Play-In contention, fostering a more winning culture. A potential package including Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton, a younger player, and a top-four protected first-round pick could be a feasible jumpstart for Charlotte, particularly given their flexible long-term salary cap, which would facilitate a Davis extension.

A reunion with the New Orleans Pelicans, while initially sounding improbable, holds some intriguing possibilities. The offensive overlap between Zion Williamson and Derik Queen necessitates a different frontcourt partner. Davis, with his defensive prowess, could protect Queen while their combined offensive skills could be made to work. Williamson’s non-guaranteed contract would appeal significantly to the Mavericks, potentially facilitating a swap for Klay Thompson’s unfavorable contract or Dejounte Murray’s contract, which Dallas might value for its ball-handling post-Achilles recovery. While acquiring a 32-year-old is not typical for a developing team, New Orleans has demonstrated a clear aversion to tanking, evidenced by their retention of an unprotected 2026 pick. If Queen and Jeremiah Fears develop rapidly, a starting five with Davis, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones could be reasonably competitive next season. For Dallas, securing an unprotected future Pelicans pick, similar to the Hawks’ acquisition, would be a major victory.

Tier V: Hypothetical Intrigue

9. Los Angeles Lakers
A direct trade of Anthony Davis for Austin Reaves and matching salary is unlikely, as Reaves is six years younger, significantly healthier, and has performed at a higher level this season. While his current averages of 30 points and nine assists may not be sustainable, a 25-point, seven-assist Reaves would likely be an All-Star. Trading a 27-year-old All-Star for Davis, particularly given Dallas’s previous experience, is improbable.

Excluding Reaves, the Lakers could potentially offer their unprotected 2031 first-round pick, four available swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032), and a collection of matching salaries (Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht). This package, exceeding Davis’s salary by over $2 million, would present significant challenges. Dallas would need to clear four roster spots mid-season, a nearly impossible feat. As a first-apron team, the Lakers cannot take on more salary than they send out, requiring a third team. Additionally, the Lakers, hard-capped at the first apron, would have minimal flexibility to fill the numerous roster vacancies created by such a trade. While a core of Reaves, Dončić, LeBron James, Davis, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia would be formidable, the lack of depth and room for injury would be critical.

A more appealing scenario for the Lakers would involve trading LeBron James and picks for Davis, which would resolve ball-handling congestion, bolster frontcourt defense, and address James’s impending free agency. However, James possesses a no-trade clause, and his acceptance of a move to Dallas without Davis is improbable. Furthermore, the optics of Dallas trading Davis to the Lakers so soon after acquiring him would be highly contentious. While intriguing, a Davis-to-Lakers trade remains largely unrealistic.

Tier IV: Eastern Conference Vulnerability

8. Atlanta Hawks
7. Philadelphia 76ers
The Atlanta Hawks, despite Trae Young’s recent injury, present a compelling case for Davis. Davis’s skill set as a lob-finisher and rim-protector makes him a prototypical partner for Young, one of the NBA’s premier pick-and-roll operators. With their collection of wings, the Hawks could form a formidable defensive unit, though perimeter shooting would remain a concern. Kristaps Porziņģis would be necessary for salary matching. The Hawks’ roster contains other valuable assets like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher (potentially untouchable), and Luke Kennard. Atlanta holds an enviable position with its ultra-valuable unprotected New Orleans pick and a relatively young roster, allowing them to balance present competitiveness with future asset accumulation.

For the Philadelphia 76ers, basketball motivations are evident. With one of the NBA’s deepest backcourts, Davis would fit comfortably into their preferred faster pace, potentially outperforming Joel Embiid in that system. More importantly, a Davis trade could offer an exit strategy for one of their large, long-term contracts (Embiid or Paul George). Dallas, focused on its young core of Cooper Flagg and its upcoming rookie, could absorb a significant contract in exchange for the right assets. Philadelphia, possessing its own picks and the highly attractive 2028 unprotected Clippers pick from the James Harden trade, could offer a substantial package. General Manager Daryl Morey, known for his aggressive pursuit of star talent and creative deal-making, would likely explore this opportunity to contend for the 2026 Finals while simultaneously clearing cap space.

Tier III: Officially Tempted

6. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Indiana Pacers
4. New York Knicks
All three of these teams made deep playoff runs in 2025, yet none are favored for the 2026 championship and face significant hurdles to future contention. Minnesota was outclassed by the Thunder, and with limited draft capital and an aging supporting cast, risks stagnation. New York, benefiting from a weaker Eastern Conference and improved coaching under Mike Brown, still confronts the fundamental question of championship viability with two star players who are not elite defenders. The Pacers’ future is uncertain with Tyrese Haliburton’s return from an Achilles tear and the aging of Pascal Siakam and TJ McConnell, suggesting a future contender will look different from their 2025 iteration. These teams, at some point, may recognize the need for a calculated risk to assert themselves as true championship contenders. Davis presents varying degrees of strategic sense for each.

Minnesota’s limited draft capital is a significant hurdle. They would likely need to find new homes for two of their three current big men (Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid), as Dallas has no need for expensive frontcourt players. If feasible, the Timberwolves possess young players like Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon, Jaylen Clark, and Joan Beringer, who could appeal to Dallas. A functional deal involving Randle, Gobert, and Dillingham would immediately provide a second superstar, particularly valuable against teams like Oklahoma City. Davis offers more versatile playoff defense than Gobert and a significantly greater scoring threat. This move would represent an aggressive, "all-in" bet on the immediate future, though some argue a step backward might be more logical for Minnesota’s long-term health.

The Indiana Pacers have a clear need at center. Davis’s style aligns with their fast-paced offense and would open new defensive possibilities. Indiana controls all its draft picks. The primary challenge lies in salary matching, which would almost certainly require Pascal Siakam. This presents a dilemma: prioritize a 31-year-old known to fit seamlessly into the current team, or gamble on a potentially superior 32-year-old with an uncertain fit? While Mathurin and Nesmith show promise as undersized forwards, the overall fit and the risk to their valuable 2026 pick are considerable. Indiana, historically a conservative organization, might lean towards retaining Siakam. However, Myles Turner’s ineffectiveness against Oklahoma City in the Finals underscores Davis’s potential as Indiana’s missing piece.

For the New York Knicks, the central question is whether to pursue Anthony Davis or retain Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns is younger, offers five-out lineup flexibility, complements Mitchell Robinson, and is typically healthier. He is also entrenched, and the Knicks may be hesitant to disrupt a successful, albeit injury-affected, start to the season. Retaining Towns likely guarantees another 50-win season and a high Eastern Conference seeding.

However, Davis’s acquisition could resolve the "can you win with two max players who don’t defend" dilemma. Replacing Towns with Davis could create a "diet Thunder" archetype: an elite shot-creator (Jalen Brunson) surrounded by impact defenders. While a five-out offense would be less feasible, three-point shooters could easily flank a Brunson-Davis pick-and-roll, and a double-big lineup with Davis and Robinson would rival Houston’s offensive rebounding prowess. Towns offers a higher floor; Davis, a higher ceiling. Typically, teams prioritize the higher ceiling, but the Knicks might believe their current trajectory is sufficient. Reports from SNY’s Ian Begley suggest Knicks interest, but a substantive connection awaits. Davis’s health will be a key factor for New York’s hesitancy.

Constructing a trade is complex. Dallas might utilize Towns, whose shooting could complement their existing bigs and facilitate Cooper Flagg’s offensive development, but this impedes their tanking efforts. Dallas would more likely flip Towns to a third team for youth and picks. The market for high-end centers is currently challenging. While the exact framework is difficult, the Knicks, having previously traded Julius Randle for Towns, have demonstrated a willingness to make such moves if motivated.

Tier II: Pragmatic Ambitions

3. Sacramento Kings
2. Chicago Bulls
The Sacramento Kings consistently appear at the top of such lists, a reflection of owner Vivek Ranadivé’s reported desperation to maintain competitiveness, sometimes at the expense of rational decision-making. If Davis could be acquired for Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis, minor salary fillers, and one or two first-round picks, Ranadivé might pursue it. While a Davis-Domantas Sabonis frontcourt presents an awkward fit, Sabonis’s perimeter shooting could allow Davis to play his preferred power forward position. Removing LaVine, their most reliable shooter, would create offensive challenges but also open up minutes for players like Malik Monk. Despite the Kings’ long-term need for a rebuild, their historical resistance to such a move necessitates considering their willingness to make an immediate impact acquisition, even if it only marginally improves their defense.

For the Chicago Bulls, the case for Davis is slightly more straightforward, amplified by his local ties. Nikola Vučević, while productive, is a limited and older player. The Bulls’ strong performance without Coby White could justify including him in a trade, fully entrusting the backcourt to Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Ayo Dosunmu. Davis’s presence would significantly aid the development of young prospects Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue. The Bulls possess their draft picks and several expiring contracts, making a deal financially feasible.

The motive for Chicago is critical. Acquiring Davis would likely solidify them as a playoff team, but not a contender on par with New York or Cleveland. By the time Buzelis reaches his prime, Davis’s high-level playing window may have closed. The Bulls’ current young core suggests a focus on a younger big man might be more prudent. However, a "young Anthony Davis" is unattainable, and the Bulls lack the assets to acquire such a player. Securing 50 wins and a playoff series for a few seasons, while not worth mortgaging the future, could represent Chicago’s best basketball since the Derrick Rose era if acquired at a low enough price.

Tier I: Championship-Defining Acquisition

1. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have long been linked to Anthony Davis, with reports indicating their interest dating back to 2018. The timing never aligned, but it might now. The Warriors are unequivocally committed to present-day success, possess most of their draft picks, and have young-ish assets. A championship with Davis is plausibly within reach. The fit is direct: Davis provides the elite rim protection and lob-catching presence the Warriors have historically sought. He would be an upgrade over previous attempts like James Wiseman. His ability to play within their switch-heavy defense and his capable ball-handling and passing would integrate well into Golden State’s unconventional offensive schemes. He would represent Stephen Curry’s most impactful teammate since Kevin Durant. This is the franchise that can credibly argue Davis could be the difference between a championship or a disappointing outcome.

However, constructing a deal is complex. The Warriors are locked below the second salary apron, and Davis’s $54.6 million salary requires them to send out approximately $52-53 million, excluding empty roster spots. Two primary, difficult scenarios exist.

The first involves trading Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green, along with Moses Moody or Buddy Hield for additional salary. This would be a significant sacrifice, particularly trading Curry’s career-long running mate. The emotional and leadership void, coupled with potential ball-handling deficiencies even with a Curry-Davis-Butler trio, would be substantial.

The second, more palatable scenario, involves trading Jimmy Butler, whose salary closely matches Davis’s. This would require either Dallas accepting Butler and picks or Golden State finding a third team to facilitate. As the Miami Heat learned last year, finding a suitor for Butler is not straightforward. Potential third-party interest could come from Phoenix, though they reportedly prefer their current, lower-maintenance squad, or Milwaukee, given their wing needs, despite Butler’s questionable shooting fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Warriors would need to conduct this discreetly to avoid an aggrieved Butler in their locker room.

Assuming a trade is executed, potentially involving Butler and some picks, the Warriors would gain options. They could revisit Kuminga talks or pursue a player like Dillon Brooks. A hypothetical lineup of Curry, Hield, Brooks, Green, and Davis presents a formidable combination. With the Warriors currently at 6-6 and largely unimpressive this season, Davis offers the missing traits they have sought for years. If the franchise is genuinely committed to maximizing Stephen Curry’s chance at a fifth championship, pursuing Anthony Davis represents their most compelling strategic move. The Warriors, by a comfortable margin, emerge as the most logical destination for Davis as the Mavericks prepare to explore trade options.