After parting with embattled general manager Nico Harrison early in the season, the Mavericks could decide to enter a full rebuild around this year’s No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year candidate Cooper Flagg. The biggest domino to fall in a potential rebuild for Dallas would be a trade sending star big man Anthony Davis elsewhere.
Davis’s name was in trade rumors immediately following Harrison’s departure as it only makes sense for the Mavs to part with the 32-year-old star and his massive contract, which remains on the books for two more years after this season. Although Davis has missed 15 games already this year due to a calf strain, he remains an impactful player when available and can help a team exceeding expectations make a true postseason run. Especially if he’s gettable for a reasonable trade package.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported Tuesday that Davis is expected to be a critical trade target of several teams, including many contenders in the Eastern Conference. He specifically named the Pistons, Raptors and Hawks as teams expected to be suitors for Davis, citing sources. Charania reported the Mavs are open to exploring the trade market for Davis, plus other veteran players like Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell and Daniel Gafford.
The Pistons are at the top of the East with a 19–5 record, while the Raptors (15–10) have also impressed early despite a recent slump. The Hawks are right there, too, with a 14–11 record in the wide open conference.
After this season, Davis is slated to make $54.5 million next year and he has a $62.8 million player option for the 2027–28 season. He will become extension eligible over the offseason, which puts a big decision on any team that may choose to bring him in via trade. The Mavs have played better since Davis’s return, winning four of their past five games. Dallas could choose to keep the star big man if there’s confidence the roster can compete with Davis and Flagg in future years. Should the Mavs choose to go another way, though, they will certainly have plenty of suitors ahead of February’s trade deadline.
More NBA on Sports Illustrated
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Shams Charania Names Three Eastern Conference Suitors for Mavericks’ Anthony Davis.