Anthony Davis’ Health Looms Large Over Possible Mavericks Trade Talks
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Anthony Davis could headline this season’s trade market, but only if the Dallas Mavericks’ center demonstrates sustained health and productivity in the coming weeks, according to Marc Stein’s latest Substack report.
Davis, 32, has been sidelined since October 29 with a strained left calf and missed his eighth consecutive game Sunday. The Mavericks said he will not be reevaluated for another seven to ten days. Before the injury, the eight-time All-Star averaged 25.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over Dallas’ first four contests.
With the Mavericks opening the year 4-10 despite Sunday’s overtime win against Portland, rival front offices expect Dallas to entertain trade offers, Stein wrote. League executives, however, believe potential suitors will insist on seeing Davis remain on the court through December and January before submitting significant proposals.
Davis is in the first season of a three-year, $175 million extension that includes $58.5 million guaranteed for 2026-27 and a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He becomes eligible for another extension next summer. The organization could ultimately choose to pivot toward a rebuild centered on No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Stein added that center Daniel Gafford is widely viewed as Dallas’ most attainable trade piece, though injuries to Davis and sophomore big man Dereck Lively II may make the Mavericks hesitant to part with additional frontcourt depth.
Front-office updates
• Mark Cuban has resumed an advisory role with basketball operations after an 18-month absence, sources told Stein. Interim co-general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, along with head coach Jason Kidd, remain the organization’s primary decision-makers following last week’s dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison.
• Former Warriors executive Bob Myers is not a candidate to replace Harrison. Myers recently became president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and is unavailable even for consulting work, Stein reported. Although Myers is a friend of Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, he has declined multiple NBA overtures since leaving Golden State.
Elsewhere around the league
• The Philadelphia 76ers expressed interest in forward Precious Achiuwa before the 24-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings two weeks ago, according to Stein.
Source: Hoops Rumors
