The NBA rumor mill is spinning fast again, with Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks locked in the middle of fresh trade talk. The noise feels familiar but the stakes do not. Trade buzz is rising ahead of the deadline, and the league is watching how the Mavericks handle one of the biggest names in the sport.
With just about five weeks until the Feb. 5 deadline, conversations are sharpening. On ESPN’s NBA Today, Tim MacMahon laid out the core reality. “[Davis’] preference would be to stay in Dallas and to get that extension this summer,” MacMahon said. He added that “the Mavericks are trying to generate a good trade market for Anthony Davis. That is difficult because of the durability issues, and I think more so the dollars… They are going to want AD traded somewhere that is willing to give him a long, lucrative extension.” That’s the push and pull. Fit versus finances. Talent versus time.
Anthony Davis arrived from the Los Angeles Lakers last season in the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic. Expectations soared immediately. When healthy, he has delivered real production for the Mavericks: 20.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks in 18 games on 52.2 percent shooting. The impact is obvious. Availability remains the question that follows him into every discussion.
Hawks noise, Warriors hesitation, and what the Mavericks want next
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ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that the hottest ongoing conversation connects Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and the Atlanta Hawks. The Mavericks have surfaced as a theoretical trade partner, though Siegel noted that pursuing Young directly “wouldn’t make sense” for the Mavericks given other organizational priorities, including an eye toward the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Golden State Warriors has also been mentioned in speculation. Marc Stein reported that the Warriors have evaluated the possibility but see no realistic path to a deal with the Mavericks and are hesitant because of Davis’ contract structure and injury history.
So what does Anthony Davis want amid trade rumors? Dallas. Stability. An extension and a real shot to win big. Now the spotlight shifts to the front office. Do the Mavericks double down on belief—or reshape the core before February arrives?