Reports suggest the Dallas Mavericks and agent Rich Paul may be trying to inflate the trade market for Anthony Davis, as actual interest from Eastern Conference teams — Pistons, Raptors, and Hawks — appears minimal.
There are reportedly three Eastern Conference teams — the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and Atlanta Hawks — that could pursue Anthony Davis ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Dallas Mavericks / Schedule
However, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has begun to question whether that interest is real, noting that there's been little to no movement around the 32-year-old star so far.
"I wouldn't expect any significant move there unless they were able to get a huge trade package, which has not come to them at this time. There's been reporting out there that there are several Eastern Conference teams interested in AD, but there's been pushback in all those areas when you ask around the league," Siegel said on ClutchScoops show.
"It's a big question mark, and the big question: is [his agent] Rich Paul trying to create a market for Anthony Davis? Is it the Mavericks trying to say, 'Hey, there's interest out there' to try to get teams to offer up their best assets, because each of those teams that have been mentioned has something that the Mavericks would want," he explained.
As one example, Siegel stated that there have been "zero conversations" between Dallas and Detroit about a potential AD trade.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
ESPN's Tim Bontemps previously noted that few teams could be eager to absorb Davis' massive contract. His injury history and difficulty staying healthy are also concerns that might make it harder for the Mavs to find suitors.
Davis is earning $54.1 million this season and $58.5 million next season, with a player option worth $62.8 million in 2027–28, when he will be 35.
Now in his 14th NBA season, AD is averaging 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals. He has appeared in only 10 games so far after missing several weeks with a left calf strain.
Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.