Mavericks Poised for Anthony Davis Trade as League Contenders Weigh Risks and Rewards

The career trajectory of Anthony Davis has been punctuated by high-profile trades, each commanding substantial returns. His initial departure from the New Orleans Pelicans saw him, at 26 years old, a dominant All-NBA big man whose versatile skill set perfectly aligned with the league’s evolving style. This move yielded a significant haul, as nearly every franchise coveted his services, allowing him to largely dictate his preferred destination and net the Pelicans a wealth of assets.

A subsequent trade, orchestrated by the Dallas Mavericks, paradoxically garnered an even greater return despite Davis being six years older, having accumulated a history of significant injuries, and failing to develop the consistent three-point shot many teams had anticipated. This inflated valuation underscored a crucial dynamic in the NBA trade market: a single, highly fixated suitor can drive up a player’s price far beyond a rational consensus. The acquisition of Desmond Bane, for instance, was not intrinsically worth four first-round picks, nor was Mikal Bridges worth five in a neutral market. These valuations are often dictated not by the collective assessment of 28 teams, but by the highest, often singular, bidder. In Davis’s case, former Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison exemplified this "irrational" bidder.

With Harrison’s recent departure, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to adopt a more rational operational strategy. This shift is widely anticipated to precipitate a third Anthony Davis trade, presenting the Mavericks with their most viable pathway to recoup the substantial draft capital expended under Harrison’s tenure. A franchise built around an 18-year-old centerpiece has little strategic imperative to retain a 32-year-old veteran who prefers to play a position best suited for his younger teammate. Furthermore, with Dallas lacking control over its own first-round picks from 2027 through 2030, a strategic "tank" in 2026 becomes critical. Moving Davis now, while he retains reasonable trade value, would not only facilitate this rebuild but also mitigate the risk of further injuries or decline diminishing his potential return.

The expected return for Davis, however, is projected to be more modest than his previous exchanges. At 32, with a documented injury history, limited three-point shooting, and a positional preference (power forward) that can complicate roster construction, Davis is no longer a universally sought-after commodity. Prior to his recent injury setback, his performance had dipped, representing some of the least impactful basketball of his career.

Related News :

Nevertheless, a trade akin to his second move remains feasible. While he is unlikely to command a player of Luka Dončić’s caliber, Davis’s inherent talent continues to hold appeal. Before his trade to Dallas, he was averaging 26 points and 12 rebounds. He consistently ranked among the top five to ten defensive players in the NBA, possessing the versatility to integrate into diverse schemes. Despite numerous minor ailments, he has avoided career-altering injuries such as Achilles or ACL tears, and historically, he has been a spectacular performer in playoff environments.

Some teams may view Davis through the same lens as the Mavericks did last February: as the crucial "missing piece" for a championship run, or at minimum, an attainable star capable of elevating their immediate contention prospects. This type of suitor would be ideal for Davis, who becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Many franchises would be wary of committing long-term salary to a player of his age and injury profile, but the right team might 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 teams most likely to pursue a serious acquisition, acknowledging that even top-ranked teams will likely harbor significant reservations. The higher a team is ranked, the greater the likelihood they believe Davis’s potential rewards outweigh the inherent risks. It is probable that Davis will find himself on a team from the upper half of this list within the coming months.

Tier XV: Functionally Impossible

29. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers face insurmountable salary cap challenges. Operating above the second apron, they are precluded from aggregating salaries in trades. Furthermore, no single Cavaliers player earns more than Davis, rendering a direct salary match impossible without falling below the second apron—a $22 million deficit for Cleveland. Given their existing roster, a Davis acquisition is economically unfeasible and strategically unnecessary.

Tier XIV: Makes No Sense on Our Timeline

28. Utah Jazz
27. Washington Wizards
26. Brooklyn Nets
These three franchises are firmly entrenched in rebuilding phases, prioritizing young talent and future draft capital. Each possesses a promising young or prime-age center, negating the need for another high-salaried big man. While the Nets might theoretically consider Davis at a significantly reduced price for a quick flip, such a scenario is highly speculative and outside their current strategic focus.

Tier XIII: Just Doesn’t Fit Our Salary Structure

25. Denver Nuggets
24. Orlando Magic
The Denver Nuggets could structure a trade around Jamal Murray’s salary, but he earns $10 million less than Davis, and his departure would severely deplete their guard creation. While combining Aaron Gordon with other salaries is an option, Gordon already provides many of the defensive and athletic attributes Denver would seek from Davis. The Orlando Magic, favoring a center-by-committee approach, have Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, Moe Wagner, and Jonathan Isaac on relatively team-friendly contracts. Having recently traded significant draft capital for Desmond Bane, and with large contracts for Paolo Banchero, Bane, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs impending, acquiring an expensive, older player like Davis who also presents shooting concerns would be counterproductive.

Tier XII: We Don’t Have Enough to Trade

23. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns’ trade assets are severely limited. A potential offer might resemble the package they received for Kevin Durant, which included Jalen Green as matching salary—a player for whom league-wide interest was reportedly modest. With no first-round picks to add, and young prospects like Khaman Maluach yet to prove their value (and potentially redundant with Dereck Lively for Dallas), a deal appears improbable. Dillon Brooks, while a solid 3-and-D role player, is insufficient to acquire Davis. While a Devin Booker-Anthony Davis duo would be potent, the Suns’ depleted cupboard makes constructing a viable trade nearly impossible.

Tier XI: We Have Anthony Davis at Home

22. Oklahoma City Thunder
21. San Antonio Spurs
20. Memphis Grizzlies
While Davis could theoretically coexist with Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama, or Jaren Jackson Jr., these teams already possess elite, younger, and often more versatile (including three-point shooting) rim protectors. The Thunder have Isaiah Hartenstein, who provides a similar role at half the cost and without expending trade assets. San Antonio benefits from Luke Kornet’s cost-effectiveness, and Memphis, despite its current injury woes affecting Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama, is unlikely to abandon its young big man core for an injury-prone star who cannot shoot threes, especially given their own similar issues with Ja Morant. Acquiring Davis becomes redundant when a "Davis-esque" player is already on the roster.

Tier X: We Prefer Our Young Guys

19. Houston Rockets
18. Miami Heat
17. Detroit Pistons
16. Portland Trail Blazers
The Houston Rockets, with Alperen Şengün blossoming into an All-Star, would not entertain a trade for Davis involving their young big man. The Rockets already lead the NBA in rebounding rate, rank seventh in points in the paint, and allow the seventh fewest, indicating no pressing need for another high-level big. Their roster, featuring Amen Thompson and other developing shooters, makes adding another non-shooter problematic.

Miami, Detroit, and Portland, while potential future players in the star market, are unlikely to target Davis. The Heat reportedly refused to trade Kel’El Ware for Kevin Durant, and Ware’s second-year progression strengthens his partnership with Bam Adebayo. The Pistons have a breakout Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, one of the NBA’s best rim protectors, making a shooting big like Lauri Markkanen a more logical target if they were to pursue one. Portland, with Donovan Clingan impressing and Toumani Camara providing defense, also leans towards shooting for any star acquisition. These teams are currently competitive and prioritize their young core.

Tier IX: Is This Really Where We Should Fire Our Last Bullet?

15. Milwaukee Bucks
14. Los Angeles Clippers
These teams possess the theoretical interest and assets, but face a critical strategic decision regarding the allocation of their limited tradable draft picks. The Bucks have one tradable first-round pick (either 2031 or 2032), while the Clippers have two (2030 and 2032), though both are subject to potential complications from the Kawhi Leonard investigation. For both, this represents a singular significant move for the foreseeable future.

For Milwaukee, the answer is likely no. Having recently acquired Myles Turner, they are performing well. Any major upgrade would more logically target a wing defender or a more proven guard to complement their younger backcourt. With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s extension decision looming, a "win-now" imperative exists, but Davis does not fit their specific needs.

The Clippers’ situation is more nuanced. With John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanović, and bench pieces providing relatively smooth salary matching, and the prospect of two unprotected first-round picks appealing to Dallas, a deal could be substantial. The pairing of Davis and Ivica Zubac is suboptimal but potentially viable with sufficient shooting elsewhere. However, the Clippers’ 3-7 record and reports suggesting Leonard’s potential departure indicate a franchise potentially contemplating its post-Leonard era. Utilizing precious future picks to push more chips into the present would be a questionable long-term strategy.

Tier VIII: Interested but Doesn’t Fit Our Salary Structure

13. Boston Celtics
While Davis might be more amenable to Boston than in 2019, given their contender status and a clear void at center, salary constraints present a significant hurdle. Trading Jaylen Brown, a younger, successful "Celtics lifer," is highly improbable. An alternative involving Derrick White and Anfernee Simons would saddle Boston with three supermax contracts (Tatum, Brown, Davis) in the second apron era, a financially unsustainable model, especially considering Davis’s injury history and Tatum’s recent Achilles tear. The temptation to pair Davis, Brown, and Jayson Tatum is clear, but the financial implications would render the remainder of the roster unfunctional.

Tier VII: … Why Not?

12. Toronto Raptors
A Davis acquisition for the Raptors presents more questions than answers. Currently paying luxury tax for a .500 team, it’s difficult to envision them contending with Davis or committing to a long-term extension given their existing payroll. Dallas would also likely find Toronto’s matching salary unattractive. However, the Raptors possess all their future picks and lack clear direction. While not an "inspired" move, acquiring Davis would at least represent a strategic commitment, however questionable.

Tier VI: Okay, We’ve Quirked an Eyebrow

11. Charlotte Hornets
10. New Orleans Pelicans
The Charlotte Hornets, while not a win-now team, could benefit significantly from Davis if the price is right. They desperately need veteran leadership and a high-impact player at a position of need. Davis would be an ideal pick-and-roll partner for LaMelo Ball, potentially elevating the Hornets to Play-In contention and instilling a winning culture. A hypothetical package of Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton, a young player, and a top-four protected first-round pick would be a reasonable jumpstart, and Charlotte’s minimal long-term salary commitments make an extension for Davis feasible.

A New Orleans reunion, while generating considerable buzz, is strategically complex. The overlapping skill sets of Zion Williamson and Derik Queen make their pairing challenging. Davis, however, could defensively anchor alongside Queen and contribute offensively. Williamson’s non-guaranteed contract would be attractive to the Mavericks, potentially facilitating a swap of Klay Thompson’s contract for Dejounte Murray’s, a player Dallas could utilize post-Achilles recovery. While acquiring a 32-year-old might not align with typical rebuilds, the Pelicans have demonstrably avoided tanking, as evidenced by their retention of the unprotected 2026 pick. If Queen and Jeremiah Fears develop rapidly, a starting five with Davis, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones could be competitive. Should Dallas secure an unprotected future Pelicans pick, similar to the Hawks’ deal, it would be a major win.

Tier V: Here for the Lulz

9. Los Angeles Lakers
A Davis-to-Lakers trade remains highly improbable. If Dallas offered Davis for Austin Reaves and matching salary, the Lakers would likely decline. Reaves is six years younger, significantly healthier, and has performed at a higher level this season, with projections placing him as a future All-Star. The Mavericks’ current predicament stems from trading a 25-year-old All-Star for Davis.

Excluding Reaves, a Lakers offer of their unprotected 2031 first-round pick, four available swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032), and matching salary (Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht) presents logistical nightmares. This would require Dallas to clear four roster spots midseason and necessitate a third team due to the Lakers’ first-apron hard cap. While a lineup of Reaves, Dončić, LeBron James, Davis, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia would be formidable, the resulting lack of depth and injury flexibility would be crippling.

A more appealing scenario for the Lakers would involve LeBron James and picks for Davis, resolving ball-handling issues, frontcourt defense, and James’s impending free agency. However, James possesses a no-trade clause, and he is unlikely to approve a move to Dallas without Davis. Such a complex maneuver, if feasible, would likely have occurred earlier. Beyond the logistical hurdles, the optics of the Mavericks trading Davis back to the Lakers so soon after his acquisition would be exceptionally poor. Despite its conceptual appeal, this trade is highly unrealistic.

Tier IV: The East is Pretty Vulnerable Right Now…

8. Atlanta Hawks
7. Philadelphia 76ers
The Atlanta Hawks have performed admirably in Trae Young’s absence, but Davis represents the quintessential big man for Young’s pick-and-roll-heavy offense, generating easy points. With their collection of wings, the Hawks could form a defensive menace even with Young, though shooting might be a concern. Kristaps Porzingis’s salary would be necessary for matching, but the rest of Atlanta’s salary structure is favorable. A deal would likely involve two of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher (potentially untouchable), and Luke Kennard, with pick compensation dependent on the package. Atlanta’s valuable unprotected New Orleans pick and young roster provide flexibility to focus on the present and future simultaneously, potentially using Davis to achieve both.

For the Philadelphia 76ers, basketball motivations are evident. Davis fits their preferred faster pace more comfortably than Joel Embiid. Crucially, a Davis trade could serve as an exit strategy for one of their large, long-term contracts (Embiid or Paul George). Dallas, with Cooper Flagg on a rookie deal and another lottery pick incoming, could absorb a "bad" contract for the right assets. Philadelphia, rich in its own picks and possessing the tempting 2028 unprotected Clippers pick from the James Harden trade, could offer a significant package. Daryl Morey, known for his aggressive pursuit of stars and creative deal-making, would likely pursue a scenario that not only pushes for a 2026 Finals appearance but also clears burdensome salary commitments.

Tier III: Officially Tempted

6. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Indiana Pacers
4. New York Knicks
These three teams all made deep playoff runs in 2025 but face significant obstacles to championship contention in 2026 and beyond. Minnesota was outclassed by the Thunder, and with limited draft capital and an aging supporting cast, risks stagnation. New York, despite a strong start under Mike Brown, still grapples with the defensive limitations of its top two players. Indiana’s future is uncertain with Tyrese Haliburton recovering from an Achilles tear and key veterans aging. All three may eventually need to take a calculated risk to elevate themselves to championship favorites, and Davis presents varying degrees of sense for each.

Minnesota’s lack of picks is a challenge. They would likely need to offload two of their three bigs (Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid), as Dallas has no need for expensive bigs. If feasible, young players like Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon, Jaylen Clark, and Joan Beringer could appeal to Dallas. Davis offers greater playoff defensive versatility and scoring threat than Gobert, providing a second superstar for matchups against teams like Oklahoma City. While such a move would be an all-in bet on the immediate future, and some might argue for a step backward, Minnesota cannot remain static if championship ambitions are genuine.

The Indiana Pacers desperately need a center. Davis’s fit with their fast-paced style and his defensive capabilities are strong. The Pacers possess all their future picks. The primary challenge lies in matching salary, which almost certainly means Pascal Siakam. This creates a dilemma: prefer a 31-year-old known fit or a better 32-year-old potential fit? The risk to their valuable 2026 pick also needs consideration. While Indiana is typically conservative, Myles Turner’s struggles in the Finals against Oklahoma City highlight Davis’s potential as a missing piece.

For the New York Knicks, the question is whether to prefer Anthony Davis or Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns is younger, provides five-out spacing, fits with Mitchell Robinson, and is typically healthier. However, Davis addresses the defensive shortcomings of their current stars, potentially creating a "diet Thunder" with Jalen Brunson as the elite shot-creator surrounded by impact defenders. While Davis limits five-out options, his presence with Brunson in pick-and-rolls, combined with three shooters, could be potent. Davis and Robinson together could rival Houston’s offensive rebounding. Towns offers a higher floor, while Davis offers a higher ceiling—a common dilemma. SNY’s Ian Begley reports potential Knicks interest, but health concerns for Davis persist. Building the trade is complex; Dallas might use Towns but would likely prefer to flip him for youth and picks. The Knicks, having traded Julius Randle for Towns previously, would likely find a way if they committed to the move.

Tier II: Perfect for Our Meager Ambitions

3. Sacramento Kings
2. Chicago Bulls
The Sacramento Kings’ perennial presence on these lists reflects owner Vivek Ranadivé’s desperation for playoff contention. Despite recent rumors of a rebuild, the Kings often act irrationally to maintain competitiveness. A hypothetical deal involving Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis, salary fillers, and one or two first-round picks for Davis could materialize. While Davis and Domantas Sabonis are not an ideal fit, Sabonis’s shooting and Davis’s preference for power forward could make it workable. Removing LaVine, their most reliable shooter, would open minutes but create other issues. The Kings should rebuild, but their past actions suggest a continued pursuit of immediate relevance. Davis would at least provide a much-needed defensive presence.

For the Chicago Bulls, the narrative is slightly easier due to Davis’s Chicago roots. Nikola Vučević, while effective, is limited and older than Davis. Coby White, given the Bulls’ strong performance without him, could be included in a trade, handing the backcourt reins to Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Ayo Dosunmu. Davis’s presence would significantly aid the development of Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue. With their picks and expiring contracts, a trade is financially feasible. The question is motive: Davis would likely make them a firm playoff team, but probably not a contender against New York or Cleveland. By the time Buzelis is ready to contend, Davis might be past his prime. While the Bulls lack a championship ceiling with Davis, achieving 50 wins and a playoff series for a few years could be seen as a worthwhile endeavor, representing their best basketball since the Derrick Rose era.

Tier I: We’re an Anthony Davis Away from Contention

1. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have long been linked to Anthony Davis, with interest reportedly dating back to 2018. The timing, previously misaligned, may now be opportune. The Warriors are fully committed to winning in the present, possess most of their draft picks, and have young-ish players to offer. A championship with Davis is plausibly within reach. His fit is straightforward: Davis provides the rim protection and lob-catching ability the Warriors have sought for years, a role James Wiseman was hoped to fill. He is versatile enough for their switch-heavy defense and a capable ball-handler and passer for their unconventional offense. He would undoubtedly be Stephen Curry’s most impactful teammate since Kevin Durant. For the Warriors, acquiring Davis could genuinely be the difference between a championship and falling short.

The complexity lies in constructing the trade. Jonathan Kuminga’s contract was structured for trade, but not for a player as expensive as Davis. Operating below the second apron, Golden State would need to send out approximately $52-53 million. Two main scenarios emerge, neither simple.

The first involves trading Kuminga and Draymond Green, along with Moses Moody or Buddy Hield. This would be a significant sacrifice, particularly for Curry’s long-time running mate, and would create ball-handling deficiencies even with a hypothetical Curry-Davis-Butler trio. The second, potentially 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, a challenge Miami faced last year. Phoenix’s current disinterest and Milwaukee’s specific wing needs complicate third-party solutions. The Warriors would need to discreetly canvass the market, mindful of the potential for an aggrieved Butler in their locker room.

Assuming a successful execution, a lineup of Curry, Hield, Brooks, Green, and Davis, or potentially Kuminga converted into a ball-handler, offers compelling options. Given the Warriors’ unimpressive 6-6 start to the season, Davis offers crucial traits they have long pursued. If Golden State is truly committed to maximizing Stephen Curry’s chances for a fifth championship, pursuing Anthony Davis represents their most impactful strategic play. The Warriors, by a comfortable margin, emerge as the most logical destination for Davis as the Mavericks inevitably weigh trade options.