Anthony Davis trade buzz heats up as Mavericks weigh options
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Dallas — Dec. 11, 2025. With the NBA’s informal trade window opening Monday, the Dallas Mavericks are fielding calls on 10-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis, league sources told ESPN. Executives from the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons are among the first to signal interest.
The stakes for Dallas
Davis, who turns 33 in March, owns a lengthy injury history and is guaranteed $120 million over the next two seasons. He can sign a four-year, $275 million extension on Aug. 6 or decline a $62.8 million player option to enter free agency in 2027. Dallas must decide whether to pursue an extension, trade the veteran before the Feb. deadline or wait until the summer, when more teams could join the bidding — with the attendant risk of another injury lowering his value.
How both sides arrived here
Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers last February in the Luka Doncic blockbuster, Davis was averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds in 41 games before the trade. He appeared in only nine contests for Dallas after suffering multiple injuries, then underwent eye surgery during the offseason. This year he has missed 15 of the Mavericks’ first 25 games but still posts 20-point, 10-rebound averages when available.
Front-office dynamics
Team governor Patrick Dumont is expected to leave any trade discussions to interim co-general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, alongside head coach Jason Kidd. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, Davis’ agent, is participating in talks. Dumont does not plan to name a permanent basketball chief until after the season.
Five concepts on the table
Detroit Pistons receive Davis.
Mavericks obtain Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey and 2024 No. 5 pick Ronald Holland II. Detroit sacrifices veteran salary and two young players but keeps every draft pick; Dallas gains two recent lottery selections without adding future payroll beyond Harris’ expiring contract.
Atlanta Hawks-centered, five-team blockbuster. Atlanta secures Davis plus Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield and rookie guard Devin Carter. Dallas flips Trae Young to Sacramento and winds up with Zach LaVine and two first-rounders, including a 2027 pick that could land in the lottery. Golden State acquires Kristaps Porzingis; Detroit and Sacramento handle smaller salary pieces.
Toronto Raptors land Davis and Tony Bradley. Dallas receives RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Jarace Walker, Ochai Agbaji and two future first-round selections. Indiana joins as a facilitator, bringing in Daniel Gafford for a lottery-protected 2027 first.
Golden State Warriors add Davis and Mason Plumlee. Dallas takes Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga and a 2026 first-round pick. The Lakers pick up Buddy Hield, while Charlotte absorbs Maxi Kleber and rookie Dalton Knecht for cash considerations.
San Antonio Spurs acquire Davis. Dallas collects Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet, three future second-round picks and erases 2030 first-round swap rights previously owed to San Antonio. Chicago receives Naji Marshall for additional seconds, easing salary totals for all sides.
Health showcase underway
Following a three-week precautionary delay while recovering from a calf strain, Davis has averaged 18.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.0 blocks in five games since returning, shooting 52.6 percent overall. Dallas officials hope sustained production will reassure potential buyers before serious negotiations begin.
Any deal ultimately hinges on how rival clubs judge Davis’ durability against his proven ability to elevate rosters into contention, a balance that could define this season’s trade market.
Source: ESPN
