Mavericks Respond to Anthony Davis Trade Talk; Magic Eye Tax Relief; Raptors Positioned for Deals
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February 6, 2024 — With the NBA trade deadline two days away, league insiders point to three franchises facing very different pressures.
Mavericks / Anthony Davis
Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul publicly challenged speculation that he is pushing the Los Angeles Lakers to move Anthony Davis. Appearing on the “Game Over” podcast, Paul called the idea “fake news,” stressing that his priority is long-term stability and compensation for his clients rather than a specific destination.
“If a guy is happy where they are, great,” Paul said, adding that family considerations and financial security outweigh geography. While a Davis trade before Thursday’s deadline is viewed as unlikely, observers continue to monitor the forward’s future in Los Angeles.
Orlando Magic
Multiple team executives expect the Orlando Magic to reduce salary in order to slip below the luxury-tax threshold. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst report Orlando is approximately $5.6 million into the tax, making Tyus Jones and his $7 million expiring deal a potential target.
The move would address immediate tax concerns but not the franchise’s projected cap crunch. Orlando is forecast to approach second-apron territory next season and may soon open rookie-scale extension talks with Anthony Black. Rival clubs are also watching how the organization manages the full max contract—complete with an opt-out—recently given to Paolo Banchero.
Toronto Raptors
Sources told ESPN the Toronto Raptors have the draft capital and roster flexibility to act as buyers if the right opportunity surfaces. One Eastern Conference executive noted that Toronto’s full control of its future first-round picks positions the club to make aggressive offers.
Cap considerations remain significant: the Raptors already have about $165 million committed to their top five players for 2024-25. That financial reality could make the team hesitant to part with picks it may eventually need.
The league’s focus now shifts to Thursday’s deadline, when front-office decisions will clarify each team’s immediate and long-term direction.
Source: Hoops Wire
