The Dallas Mavericks have shown signs of stabilization over the past two weeks, but questions surrounding Anthony Davis’ long-term future remain unresolved. Despite internal messaging suggesting the franchise could pursue a contract extension with its star forward, one prominent NBA insider has cast doubt on that possibility.
Dallas has climbed from a 5–15 start to 10–17, including a recent stretch of improved play with Davis in the lineup. Even so, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon expressed skepticism about the idea of the Mavericks committing to another long-term deal with the veteran big man.
“The Mavericks are telling people, ‘Oh, you know, we still might extend him this summer.’ If you do that, that’s not going to be good business for the Mavericks. I’m being told that, and I don’t believe that. I’ll put it like that,” MacMahon said on the latest episode of Howdy Partners.
MacMahon went further, suggesting that Dallas’ public stance may not align with its eventual actions.
“I think it’s a matter of when and not if Anthony Davis is traded. I just don’t know when — will be before this deadline. And again, I just don’t anticipate it’s going to be for like, three first-round picks. But we’ll see how that shakes out.”
Davis is in the first season of a three-year contract worth approximately $175 million. The deal includes a player option for the 2027–28 season that would pay him more than $62 million if exercised. At 32 years old, Davis remains one of the league’s most impactful two-way players when healthy, but his contract structure and age continue to loom over Dallas’ roster planning.
NBA insider casts doubt on Anthony Davis’ future with the Mavericks
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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks on during the game between the Mavericks and the Nets at the American Airlines Center.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
On the court, Davis has been productive. Through 11 appearances this season, he is averaging 20 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range. He is playing 29.5 minutes per contest and has anchored Dallas’ defense during his time on the floor.
The Mavericks are 6–5 in games Davis has played, including last Friday’s 119–111 win over the Brooklyn Nets. In that game, Davis recorded 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks while shooting 10-for-21 from the field and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line in 33 minutes.
Still, Davis’ name has remained prominent in trade speculation around the league, with recent reports linking him to teams such as the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. MacMahon’s comments add further weight to the idea that Dallas could eventually pivot toward asset accumulation rather than a long-term commitment.
For now, the Mavericks will continue navigating the regular season while balancing on-court progress with broader roster considerations. Dallas is set to host the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons (21–5) on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. ET before opening a two-game road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers (14–11) on Saturday and the New Orleans Pelicans (5–22) next Monday.
Whether Davis remains central to the Mavericks’ future or becomes the centerpiece of a major trade remains one of the league’s most closely watched storylines as the season unfolds.