The Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a crossroads. League sources, as reported by Marc Stein, indicate that Dallas is willing to listen to trade offers for Anthony Davis in the coming months.
It’s a delicate balancing act, Davis remains a high-impact talent when healthy, but his nagging injuries raise serious doubts about his long-term value to the franchise.
Anthony Davis Trade Buzz Builds as Mavericks Weigh Their Future
Injuries Cloud Davis’ Tenure
Since arriving in Dallas, Davis has struggled to stay on the court. According to Stein, his appearances have been sporadic due to recurring adductor and calf issues. These setbacks are not new for the 10-time All-Star, and many around the league believe that before any serious deal can materialize, Davis will need to prove he can sustain his health through December and January.
His contract further complicates matters. Davis signed a three-year, $175 million extension, but the commitment brings risk. Should Dallas move him, they demand meaningful returns, not just for the present, but for the long term. As Stein notes, other teams are carefully assessing just how much they’re willing to pay for both production and health.
The Front Office Shuffle
Behind the scenes, changes are afoot. With Nico Harrison now out, interim co–general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley are stepping in alongside coach Jason Kidd and minority owner Mark Cuban. Cuban, in particular, remains vocal: he has publicly stated that the Mavs will not trade Davis this season, insisting, “We won’t, We want to try to win.” Yet Stein’s sources suggest that Dallas is still quietly testing the waters, a sign that the organization is hedging its bets.
Kyrie’s Stability as Davis’ Contrast
While Davis’s future is murky, Kyrie Irving appears to be off the table. According to RealGM’s wiretap of Stein’s reporting, the Mavericks are “not encouraging trade inquiries” for Irving. Despite being out indefinitely due to a torn ACL, he is reportedly bonding with their prized rookie, Cooper Flagg, in practice. It seems Dallas sees Irving as a part of its core, even while the Davis situation remains fluid.
External Pressure to Move Davis
Some analysts believe that now could be the optimal time to cash in on Davis. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps has argued that Dallas should entertain trade possibilities, citing the risk of Davis’s injury history, Irving’s uncertain return, and the narrow window left on Davis’s deal.
“I’m going to be honest, I don’t think Anthony Davis should ever play for the Mavericks again. He shouldn’t play the rest of the season, and they should trade him this summer.”
– Tim Bontemps
(Via Hoop Collective / h/t @ClutchPoints )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 5, 2025
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For the Mavs, trading Davis could unlock assets that allow them to retool around Flagg, or at least give them financial flexibility for the future.
What’s Next for Dallas?
The Mavericks face a major decision point. If Davis stays, they are doubling down on a star who can dominate when healthy — a bid to salvage a title run. But if they decide to move him, they must extract maximum value. With Cuban pushing for wins and other executives eyeing a potential retool, Dallas may be preparing to reshape its identity.
The coming weeks will be critical. How Davis recovers, what offers emerge, and how the front office evaluates its direction could determine whether he remains a Maverick or becomes a high-stakes trade chip once again.
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