TITLE: Hypothetical Three-Team Trade Would Move Anthony Davis to Raptors, Rework Mavericks and Pacers Rosters
SLUG: hypothetical-trade-anthony-davis-raptors-mavericks-pacers
CONTENT:
ESPN writer Zach Kram has outlined a three-team trade scenario that would ship All-Star forward Anthony Davis to the Toronto Raptors while reshaping lineups in Dallas and Indiana.
Proposed trade framework
Raptors receive: Anthony Davis, Tony Bradley
Mavericks receive: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Jarace Walker, Ochai Agbaji, a 2026 first-round pick (via Raptors), and a 2027 first-round pick (via Pacers, top-14 protected)
Pacers receive: Daniel Gafford
Why Toronto would push all-in
Kram points out that Toronto has aggressively spent draft capital in recent seasons, moving first-round selections for players such as Thaddeus Young, Jakob Poeltl, Kelly Olynyk, and Brandon Ingram. In this proposal, the Raptors would again part with assets, pairing Barrett and Poeltl to match Davis’s salary. The move would install Davis as the new franchise cornerstone and immediately raise the club’s ceiling.
Dallas adds youth and picks
The Mavericks would pick up Barrett, a 23-year-old wing; Poeltl, a dependable but expensive center; and 2023 lottery selections Walker and Agbaji. Kram argues that a change of scenery could benefit both young wings, while two future first-rounders would give Dallas additional roster-building flexibility.
Indiana’s front-court outlook
For Indiana, the deal centers on plans beyond Myles Turner. Gafford would provide a rim-running complement to stretch big Jay Huff, giving head coach Rick Carlisle a different look in the paint.
Kram labels Toronto’s unprotected 2026 pick as the pivotal piece. Even with Davis in uniform, there is no guarantee the Raptors would crack the Eastern Conference’s top six, adding intrigue to the long-term value of that selection.
Source: Hoops Wire
