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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up before their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks have been trying to decide if Anthony Davis is part of their future. Dallas doesn’t have a team that is bad enough to tank for one of the top draft picks. They would rather try to make the playoffs, but Davis’ health has been a major issue.
So far this season, Davis has played in only 29 games in close to the calendar year that he has played for the Mavs. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy, which is why the Mavericks are considering trading him before the trade deadline comes and goes in a couple of weeks.
Dallas would prefer to find a way to work things out with Davis so they can recoup some of his trade value. However, it looks like Davis’ agent wants him moved so he can start playing for a new team as soon as possible.
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis drives the ball. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Rich Paul Wants Anthony Davis Moved From the Mavericks
According to a report by ESPN, Paul wants Davis out of Dallas. Davis refuted a report from Shams Charania that he was going to need hand surgery after he tore some ligaments. It was then reported that Davis had gotten a second opinion and his hand won’t require surgery.
The Mavericks have already decided to clean up the Nico Harrison mess by firing him after he was the one who decided to bring in Davis in exchange for Luka Doncic. Still, that doesn’t help the issue that Dallas now has when it comes to the roster.
Paul made it seem pretty clear that he wants his client somewhere else. He wouldn’t have said that if Davis himself wanted to stay in Dallas. The Mavericks are also not going to just salary dump him somewhere. They want to get something in return for him if they move him.
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis warms up before a game. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks May Have a Tough Time Moving Anthony Davis
Even though Davis wants out, finding the proper trade partner isn’t going to be easy. Davis is owed over $175 million over the next three years. That is a lot of money to pay someone who hasn’t played the small number of names that he has played over the past couple of years.
That doesn’t mean that Davis won’t have any suitors. It has been rumored that the Hawks are interested in Davis. Atlanta isn’t the only team that is going to want Davis, but they might be the one that makes the most sense. The Hawks are still trying to make a push for the playoffs.
The Mavericks will be looking around at the deadline for other teams they can shop Davis to. How quickly he returns from his latest injury could be a big factor in whether or not they are able to move him to a place that Paul deems desirable. If the Mavs trade Davis, that will signal a rebuild.