Rich Paul Pushing Mavericks to Move Anthony Davis Before Trade Deadline
rich-paul-pushing-mavericks-to-move-anthony-davis-before-trade-deadline
Agent Rich Paul is actively encouraging the Dallas Mavericks to trade injured center/forward Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on the latest “Hoop Collective” podcast.
“It is very clear that Rich Paul … wants Anthony Davis traded before the deadline,” MacMahon said while discussing the nine-time All-Star’s situation.
Extension concerns fuel trade push
Paul’s stance reportedly stems from Dallas’ hesitation to discuss a long-term extension. Davis, 32 in March, will earn $54.1 million this season, $58.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He becomes eligible to sign a new contract on Aug. 6.
Mavericks maintaining high asking price
Team officials have told MacMahon they will consider offers only if they receive a mix of draft compensation, young talent and expiring contracts. “Rich Paul is not going to bully us,” one Mavericks source said, adding that governor Patrick Dumont will not approve a deal “just to do a deal.”
Limited market and injury history
The Hawks and Raptors are most frequently linked to Davis, with the Bucks and Warriors also monitoring the situation. Davis has missed significant time since arriving from Los Angeles last February, appearing in just 29 of 73 regular-season games for Dallas because of assorted injuries, including the current hand issue.
When healthy, he has averaged 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 blocks per game in a Mavericks uniform. Nonetheless, his injury record and maximum-salary contract have tempered league-wide interest.
Front-office transition may delay decision
Dallas could wait until the offseason to revisit Davis’ future, MacMahon noted, comparing the scenario to Kevin Durant’s eventual summer move in 2022. Interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, along with Dumont, minority owner Mark Cuban and head coach Jason Kidd, are currently guiding personnel matters while the club searches for a permanent lead executive.
The Mavericks also lack control of their own first-round picks from 2027-30, creating urgency to stay competitive rather than launch a full rebuild around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
Source: Hoops Rumors
