The Atlanta Hawks are evaluating a trade pursuit of Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, according to comments from insider Chris Haynes during an NBA on Prime broadcast on December 27.
Haynes said Atlanta’s front office is “very intrigued” by the possibility and, if discussions advance, franchise cornerstone Trae Young would not be part of the offer. Instead, the Hawks could headline a package with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, expiring contracts, additional young players and draft compensation.
Removing Young’s $46 million salary from the talks makes Kristaps Porzingis—whose $30,731,707 contract expires after the season—a likely salary-matching piece. Dallas is believed to prefer deals centered on short-term money plus assets, Haynes noted.
Earlier in the week, Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that Atlanta had made preliminary contact about Davis but that negotiations had not gained traction. Siegel also indicated the Hawks might ultimately seek a lower-cost front-court option if Porzingis is the primary outgoing salary.
Adding the eight-time All-Star would represent a major financial commitment. Davis is earning $54,126,450 this season, will make $58,456,566 in 2026-27, and holds a $62,786,682 player option for 2027-28. Haynes said any acquiring team would likely need to discuss an extension—an approach complicated by Davis’ injury history. The 32-year-old is currently sidelined with a mild right groin strain and has appeared in just 16 games this season; outside of 76 outings with the Lakers in 2023-24, he has not topped 62 games played since 2018-19.
Atlanta’s interest is fueled by defensive concerns. The Hawks have slipped to 15-17 after a five-game skid, surrendering at least 126 points in each of their last seven defeats. Opponents are shooting 47.8 percent from the floor against them, the NBA’s 23rd-worst mark.
No formal offer has been reported, and both sides have time to weigh options ahead of the trade deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
