Trade speculation linking the Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks to Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis has not advanced beyond preliminary chatter, league sources told reporter Marc Stein.
According to Stein, both clubs are effectively in a holding pattern. Atlanta’s hesitancy to cross the luxury-tax threshold is a central obstacle, given Davis’s sizable contract. The 31-year-old center is owed $58.5 million for the 2025-26 season and $62.8 million in 2027-28, figures that would tip the Hawks into tax territory unless Trae Young is included in any outgoing package. Young holds a $48.9 million player option for 2025-26.
Stein added that Atlanta has been open to fielding calls on rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in last June’s draft, but executives inside State Farm Arena do not view an in-season move for Davis as the right circumstance to part with the young Frenchman.
Another subplot involves agent Rich Paul, who represents Davis and maintains close ties with members of the Mavericks’ front office. Some around the league believe Paul views Atlanta as a logical long-term destination for his client, but any meaningful progress is expected to wait until the summer at the earliest.
For now, both franchises appear content to monitor the situation rather than rush into a blockbuster.
Source: Hoops Wire
