TITLE: Hawks Maintain Interest in Mavericks’ Anthony Davis as Financial Questions Hover Over Trae Young
SLUG: hawks-keep-eye-on-anthony-davis-weigh-options-with-trae-young
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks continue to monitor the availability of Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis, according to reports from Marc Stein and Chris Haynes.
Haynes first noted Atlanta’s “strong intrigue” in acquiring the eight-time All-Star. Stein’s latest update indicates the idea is still alive, but he warns that executing a deal is complicated, especially on the salary front.
Davis is expected to seek a maximum contract extension in August. Pairing that potential new salary with Trae Young’s $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season would push the Hawks’ payroll to levels ownership has historically avoided.
While Haynes reported Young would not be part of any Davis trade, Stein writes that excluding the two-time All-Star guard may be unrealistic. League executives increasingly believe Atlanta is open to discussing Young if the return is significant, a view echoed by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on the “Hoops Collective” podcast.
“When you don’t even attempt to extend the face of your franchise, that’s a pretty clear message,” MacMahon said, adding that maximum-salary guards rarely draw the offers teams anticipate.
On the Mavericks’ side, Stein reports governor Patrick Dumont and team leadership want to evaluate how Davis fits alongside Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg before reconsidering additional roster changes. That stance makes an offseason move more likely than an in-season swap.
The Hawks’ on-court results have done little to ease front-office tensions. Atlanta is 0-6 since Young returned to the lineup; the guard missed Monday’s loss at Oklahoma City with a quad contusion.
Source: Hoops Wire
