TITLE: Mavericks Weigh Davis, Irving Trades; Questions Swirl Around Magic, Clippers, Lakers
SLUG: mavericks-consider-davis-irving-trades-others-under-scrutiny
CONTENT:
The Dallas Mavericks’ 3-9 opening has prompted front-office conversations about moving Anthony Davis—and possibly Kyrie Irving—to reset the franchise’s direction, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst reported on November 14.
Dallas dismissed general manager Nico Harrison earlier this week amid continued backlash to February’s Luka Doncic trade. Executives told ESPN the club may now prioritize draft capital and build around rookie forward Cooper Flagg; following the 2026 draft, the Mavericks control no first-round picks for the rest of the decade.
Mavericks’ challenges in any Davis deal
Davis, sidelined by a left calf strain after five appearances, is owed $58.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He becomes extension-eligible next summer and could earn up to $218.5 million by exercising the option and adding three seasons. One rival general manager noted that acquiring a 33-year-old with an extensive injury history would also mean assuming the “stress” of a potential $70 million-per-year extension.
Trading Davis and Irving would trim a projected $32 million luxury-tax bill; the Mavericks are roughly $16 million above the tax line this season.
Magic offense still sputtering
The Orlando Magic have won five of seven yet remain 18th in offensive rating. Head coach Jamahl Mosley has delegated most play-calling to assistant Joe Prunty, hired in the offseason, but league observers doubt the current roster can run an efficient attack. An opposing Western Conference executive pointed to iso-heavy star Paolo Banchero and said, “It hasn’t been pretty at all,” while predicting newly acquired guard Desmond Bane will “settle in eventually.”
Clippers’ age, injuries raising red flags
The Los Angeles Clippers, 3-8, have lost Bradley Beal for the season (hip fracture), and Kawhi Leonard is dealing with sprains in both foot and ankle. Veteran additions Brook Lopez, Nicolas Batum and Bogdan Bogdanovic have struggled, while Chris Paul has fallen out of the rotation. “They move so slowly, they can’t recover in transition,” an advance scout said.
Mixed confidence in Spurs, Lakers staying power
The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers have started strong, yet scouts differ on their staying power. One Western Conference scout doubts rookie center Victor Wembanyama can withstand an 82-game grind. An Eastern Conference executive is withholding judgment on the Lakers until LeBron James returns from sciatica and a lingering knee issue, noting “he’s never started a season coming off injuries like this before.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
