The Milwaukee Bucks are actively interested in Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, recent reports confirm. Previously, Davis had been only a hypothetical target. Now, it seems, the Bucks believe a trade is at least within the realm of possibility.
The Bucks have reportedly registered interest in Anthony Davis, per @TheAthletic.
In what would be a fascinating move, the Bucks can hypothetically make the money work by sending out Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma. Dallas, however, would not be enticed by Milwaukee’s assets, so the…
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) January 7, 2026
Simply put, it would spell catastrophe for Milwaukee’s long-term outlook (draft-wise and financially) and probably the present as well (he misses games like leaves fly off the trees in fall).
Davis deal would be disaster for Bucks
As everyone and their grandmother knows, Davis cannot stay healthy. The fact that he has played 18 of the Mavericks’ 37 games is an accomplishment after he missed most of the early part of the season. It is no small feat that he has remained mostly healthy for a full month and counting.
Oct 26, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks to hand the ball off to guard D’Angelo Russell (5) during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Davis is still a force when he plays, notwithstanding a dismal 7-23 night Tuesday against the Kings. Even so, he grabbed 16 rebounds and is averaging 10.8 this season to go with 20.4 points and 1.7 blocks. Throw in 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals. Davis remains below 30% from three but is shooting 52.2% overall.
The problems with trading for Davis, however, are manifold. One, there is his health history. Davis has played 27 games for Dallas since coming over last trade deadline.
Two, there is his massive salary lumped into one semi-available player. Davis makes $54.1 million this year, $58.5 million next, and has $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. No thanks.
Finally, there is what the Bucks would be giving up to get him. The Mavericks’ asking price has remained stubbornly high for an asset with Davis’ baggage. Part of that could be how and for whom he ended up in Dallas – in the ignominious Luka Doncic trade that ultimately cost Nico Harris his job as Mavericks general manager. The franchise has to save some sort of face; they can’t flip him for pennies on the dollar.
Nov 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) passes the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
For the Bucks, though, any package would almost surely involve both Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner to even come close to Davis’ salary. Complicating matters, they might need to incorporate a third team to supply the requisite draft compensation. That means sending out assets to said third party.
You could argue that Kuzma and Turner are already more valuable due to durability and rotation concerns. What’s worth more: their 70-75 games apiece or 45 from Davis?
Sure, Turner has underperformed, but he is much more the stretch big the Bucks specifically pursued to pair alongside Giannis. Kuzma is their only wing defender built to guard opposing small forwards with any size. On top of that, Kuzma and Turner are two solid role players, on a precariously thin Bucks roster, whereas Davis is one oft-hurt, aging star. He won’t make up the 55.3 minutes accounted for by Kuzma and Turner on a nightly basis. Not even close.
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates with Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
What about getting younger and more athletic? Davis is the elite rebounder the team craves, but he is also 32 years old. In reality, his body is likely far older than that given his injury history.
And what happens when Davis inevitably gets hurt? Now the Bucks are down two to three rotation pieces, plus a draft pick – a deal isn’t getting done without 2031 or 2032 first-rounder. Plus, they have Davis’ money on the books for the next several years. Disaster, disaster, disaster.
Bucks GM Jon Horst may itch for a star, but this is one idea he must avoid like the plague.
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