Rival executive expects Mavericks to shop Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell and Daniel Gafford
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Dallas — A rival NBA executive believes the Mavericks are preparing to move several high-profile veterans before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal.
The executive told Mathur that Dallas is likely to trade forward Anthony Davis, guard Klay Thompson, guard D’Angelo Russell and center Daniel Gafford. Davis, Thompson and Gafford are already eligible to be dealt, while Russell becomes eligible on Dec. 15.
Sources cited in the report said the front office, now led by co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, views a rebuild around rookie forward Cooper Flagg as the organization’s best path forward.
Contract situations
Davis is earning $54.1 million this season, Thompson $16.7 million, Gafford $14.4 million and Russell $5.7 million.
Player performance and availability
Davis, a 10-time All-Star, has appeared in only five games and remains sidelined by a left calf strain. He is averaging 22.8 points and 10.2 rebounds, with no clear timetable for return. The 32-year-old will turn 33 in March and was listed at 268 pounds entering training camp, 15 pounds heavier than last season with the Lakers.
Thompson, who will turn 36 in February, has been moved to the bench by coach Jason Kidd and is averaging a career-low 9.4 points per game.
Gafford is contributing 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds, and is considered the most movable of the group, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Russell is averaging 11.9 points and 4.9 assists but has reportedly frustrated several teammates with his practice habits and defensive effort, league sources told Mathur.
No trade discussions have been reported as imminent, yet the executive quoted by Mathur expects Dallas to actively explore deals for all four players in the coming weeks.
Source: Hoops Wire
