Mavericks signal willingness to field Anthony Davis inquiries before trade deadline
mavericks-signal-willingness-to-field-anthony-davis-inquiries-before-trade-deadline
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to take phone calls on Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis as the February trade deadline approaches, according to multiple reports.
Marc Stein of The Stein Line wrote that Dallas intends to “pick up the phone” on any interest in Davis, even after minority owner Mark Cuban publicly minimized the possibility. The 30-year-old big man is currently sidelined with a calf strain and has faced recurring injury issues this season.
Team sources told Christian Clark of The Athletic that the Mavericks want to preserve roster flexibility around rookie forward Cooper Flagg and will explore any move that strengthens the club.
Potential trade chips
Daniel Gafford: League executives view the 25-year-old center as an attainable target if Dallas decides to shop him. Since returning from an early-season ankle injury, Gafford is averaging 13.0 points, nearly 8.0 rebounds and more than 2.0 blocks in his past four outings.
Kyrie Irving: Stein added that Dallas has no plans to actively market the nine-time All-Star, who is rehabbing a torn ACL. However, the franchise is short on future first-round picks, and a compelling offer could spark internal debate.
Dereck Lively II: Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reported that the Mavericks are unlikely to move players whose trade value is suppressed by injuries, noting he does not expect Lively to be included in talks at this stage.
Front-office search on hold
Owner Patrick Dumont is in no rush to appoint a new head of basketball operations after parting ways with Nico Harrison, per Stein and Clark. One source told Clark that qualifications—not a timeline—will dictate the hire. In the meantime, Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley continue to lead the front office.
Source: Hoops Wire
