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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up prior to the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks came into the 2025-26 season as many pundits’ dark-horse candidate to win the Eastern Conference. At this point in the season, Atlanta sits ninth in the Eastern Conference standings, which would put them in the play-in.
Trading Trae Young made the Hawks better for this season, as they were just 2-8 with him in the lineup. With him gone, there has been a lot of speculation that they could be interested in bringing Anthony Davis in. They are still interested in him despite his latest injury.
This bold trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Hawks making the trade for Davis and going all-in for the next couple of seasons.
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis shoots the ball. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Hawks Trade for Anthony Davis in Bold Trade Idea
Here is the full trade proposal:
Mavericks get: Kristaps Porziņģis, Zaccharie Risacher, and a 2031 first-round pick swap
Hawks get: Anthony Davis
Porzingis is either injured or sick all of the time, so swapping him in this trade is ideal. Trading former number-one overall pick Risacher would hurt. That would acknowledge that they messed up that pick, even though this is just his second season in the NBA.
Yet, this team is going to be built around Jalen Johnson moving forward. That means that Davis would have to play center in this trade, unless the Hawks move Onyeka Okongwu to the starting lineup and move Johnson to small forward.
Trading only one pick swap is what makes this trade attractive for the Hawks. If Davis stays hurt, that pick swap wouldn’t hurt them as much since it’s just one. If the Mavs tried to get two pick swaps or an unprotected pick from them, that would be too much.
Atlanta has been stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference for the last few years. Adding Davis would signal that they are trying to win the East in a year where there is no clear favorite.
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis holds the ball. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Hawks are the Favorites to Trade for Anthony Davis
It seems like there is no team more interested in adding Davis to their roster than Atlanta. Getting rid of Young seemed to signal that the Hawks are looking to compete this season, not just surrender and start a massive rebuild. Trading for Davis would put any rebuild on hold.
Right now, the Hawks have the 16th-best defense in the NBA. Davis is still an elite defensive presence when he is on the court. Offensively, they would become better with Davis attracting a lot of attention in the paint, allowing him to kick it to open shooters.
How comfortable the Hawks are with Davis’ injury history will be the deciding factor. He just suffered a hand injury that may or may not need surgery, so he will still be out for a few weeks. Atlanta trading for him after this injury would still signal that the Hawks consider themselves a piece away from contending.