In NBA trade circles, one of the most provocative scenarios gaining steam involves Anthony Davis and LaMelo Ball. With whispers that the Mavericks may listen to trade offers for Davis, and reports that Ball is “open to a trade” from Charlotte. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
The real question is that if this deal would have happened, could Ball truly mesh with stars like Kyrie Irving, and what would it mean for Dallas’s longer-term rebuild around their prized rookie, Cooper Flagg?
Could the Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis for LaMelo Ball?
Trade Rumors Heating Up
Sources suggest Ball is unhappy in Charlotte and may be receptive to a move.
Breaking: LaMelo Ball is open to being traded from the Hornets, per @KellyIko
Ball has ‘grown increasingly frustrated’ amid Charlotte’s 4-11 start pic.twitter.com/67KCUi3UFe
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 20, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Meanwhile, league insiders have floated the idea that the Mavericks are testing Davis’s market, especially as they balance his star power with durability concerns. Though Dallas has publicly denied aggressively shopping him, the alignment of interest makes the trade a serious “what‑if.”
Anthony Davis is expected to be shopped as the Dallas Mavericks shift toward the future and plan to build around Cooper Flagg, per @BannedMacMahon pic.twitter.com/IaSwtnUUhE
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 19, 2025
Mavericks’ Calculus: Why They Might Do It
From Dallas’s perspective, trading Davis could be more than just clearing salary; it could reshape their core. Ball brings youth, elite playmaking, and star upside. Bringing him in could help usher in a faster, more dynamic era that complements a long-term build. But the Mavericks’ leadership has stressed they’re still in “win-now” mode, creating a tension between their current competitiveness and their future direction.
Hornets’ Angle: Why Charlotte Might Be Interested
For the Hornets, Anthony Davis is a tantalizing target. He is a proven All‑Star who can anchor a team on both ends of the court. Giving up Ball would be difficult, but Davis could offer leadership, defense, and an inside-out dynamic. Moreover, depending on how a deal is structured, Charlotte could receive valuable draft assets or complementary pieces to retool around.
What Both Teams Get — and Risk
If the Mavericks trade Davis for Ball, they’d land a young star who can run the offense and elevate teammates. They would also free up Davis’s large contract, allowing them to reallocate resources. This would align perfectly with a younger, more playmaking‑oriented core that could feature Ball, Cooper Flagg, and other rising players.
Charlotte, on the other hand, would acquire a high-level big man in Davis, offering rim protection, veteran savvy, and All‑Star production. Yet, the risks are obvious. Dallas would be betting on Ball’s health and long-term growth, and trading Davis could weaken their short-term ceiling. For Charlotte, Davis’s age and injury profile are concerns, and parting with Ball could backfire if he regains All-Star form.
Can LaMelo Really Fit with Kyrie and in a Flagg‑Led Rebuild?
A crucial question in this hypothetical trade: could Ball truly gel with Kyrie Irving? On paper, the pairing is compelling. Ball’s court vision and playmaking instincts could complement Kyrie’s scoring creativity, creating an offense where each star plays to his strengths. Ball, with his size and ability to penetrate, could draw defensive attention, freeing Kyrie for off-ball opportunities or isolation scoring.
Beyond offense, the Mavericks are clearly building around Cooper Flagg, their No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward known for his elite defensive instincts, feel for the game, and two-way versatility, is expected to be a cornerstone for the franchise.
Now, imagine a starting core with Ball orchestrating, Flagg switching across multiple positions, and Kyrie creating scoring heat. On defense, Ball could pressure from the backcourt, Flagg could guard multiple fronts, and Kyrie, while not a lockdown defender, could provide help on switches or smart rotations. Together, these pieces could form a surprisingly switchable, cohesive unit.
But the challenge would be real: managing minutes, balancing usage, and navigating egos. Ball and Kyrie both need the ball to be effective, and Flagg’s growth will demand touches. Establishing chemistry, especially in high-leverage moments, would be crucial. For Dallas, this trade could accelerate their timeline, but only if they can build alignment between their veterans and their young core.
Likelihood & Timing: Is This Realistic?
Even with the potential lines drawn, this deal currently feels more speculative than imminent. While Ball’s reported openness and Dallas’s flexibility make noise, Mark Cuban has publicly denied that the Mavericks are actively shopping Davis. Still, the longer the season goes, the more likely things could shift — especially if Dallas leans into Flagg’s development or Charlotte reconsiders Ball’s role.
If the right package surfaces, both teams have a real incentive. Dallas to retool around youth and playmaking, and Charlotte to add a proven star inside while unlocking future assets.
The Last Word
Whether this trade ever happens or not, the discussion highlights how stars like Ball, Kyrie, and Flagg could redefine Dallas’s future, and why every move matters in shaping the Mavericks’ path forward. The NBA’s landscape is always evolving. The possibilities for blockbuster shifts like this keep fans and teams alike on the edge of their seats.
Featured Image: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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