Anthony Davis must demonstrate sustained productivity through December and January to generate the level of trade interest the Dallas Mavericks seek before the Feb. 6 deadline, according to league sources. The general consensus across the NBA is that Davis needs an extended stretch of quality play after starting the season as a projected centerpiece for the Mavericks.
Trading Davis for anything less than a significant return would prove difficult for Dallas to accept after acquiring him as the key piece in the controversial Luka Doncic trade. The Mavericks face a challenging decision as they weigh draft positioning against maximizing value for Davis.
Davis missed his ninth consecutive game Sunday with a left calf strain. He has been ruled out for at least the next 7-to-10 days, costing him a minimum of five additional games.
Rival teams across the league are already preparing for Dallas to make Davis available before the deadline. Davis remains an elite two-way big, but persistent durability concerns continue to impact his trade value.
The 32-year-old big man is in the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension he signed with the Lakers in August 2023. Davis becomes eligible to sign another extension for up to three seasons and $218.5 million beginning Aug. 6, 2026. He holds a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.
Any acquiring team would likely pursue an extension agreement with Davis in the 2026 offseason. League executives believe the organization should explore trading the veteran big man as Dallas builds around rookie Cooper Flagg following the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison.