Rival front offices are preparing for what one league observer has called “serious” trade conversations involving Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, league sources told The Ringer. Dallas is 3-10, deep into the luxury tax and facing roster questions with Davis sidelined by a calf strain.
Davis, 32, is in the first season of a three-year, $175 million extension and earns $54 million this year. He has appeared in only five games, and executives believe his market value could dip further if the Mavericks wait.
Dallas still controls its own 2026 first-round pick — widely viewed as valuable in a projected talent-heavy draft — but holds no first-rounders from 2027 through 2030. Moving Davis would free salary, return forward Cooper Flagg to his natural position and open a path to add another top prospect alongside Flagg as soon as next summer.
Top reported landing spots
The Sporting News outlined five destinations that front-office personnel consider the most plausible.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have surged behind Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. That depth could make last year’s standout Jared McCain expendable. After Dec. 15, Philadelphia could build a package around Paul George, McCain and one of its two tradable first-round picks. A frontcourt featuring Davis and Joel Embiid would give the Sixers a formidable interior duo, though salary-cap math is tight with both clubs over the first apron.
4. Chicago Bulls
Chicago needs rim protection more than Nikola Vucevic’s floor spacing. Davis would immediately upgrade the defense and provide guard Josh Giddey the vertical threat he lacks. The Bulls could match salaries with expiring contracts for Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter and Coby White, add rookie Noa Essengue for upside and include one of up to four movable first-rounders.
3. Sacramento Kings
The Domantas Sabonis–Zach LaVine–DeMar DeRozan trio has struggled, and Sacramento’s rim protection remains thin. Davis would anchor the defense, while Sabonis offers Dallas durability, playmaking and an ideal fit next to Flagg. League chatter already links a Sabonis plus Dennis Schröder concept (eligible after Dec. 15) to Dallas, and the Kings control as many as six tradable firsts.
2. Toronto Raptors
Toronto operates at the first apron yet historically pursues bold moves. A workable framework could send Jakob Poeltl, either RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and up to four draft picks to Dallas with strategic cap maneuvering.
1. Miami Heat
The Heat are perennial star hunters, and pairing Davis with Bam Adebayo would produce one of the league’s stingiest defenses. Once trade restrictions lift on Dec. 15, Miami could offer a rejuvenated Andrew Wiggins, the expiring contract of Terry Rozier and two available first-round selections.
League executives expect discussions to accelerate once Davis nears a return from his calf injury, especially after a recent front-office shake-up in Dallas signaled a willingness to consider all options.
Source: Hoops Wire
