The Dallas Mavericks’ Struggles
The Dallas Mavericks have struggled significantly in the current NBA season, starting off with a disappointing 9-16 record. Among the highlights, rookie Cooper Flagg has shown signs of promise, but the team’s performance may lead them to look for trades ahead of the deadline.
Potential Trade: Anthony Davis
A key player that could be available is 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. Despite battling injuries, Davis has still managed to average impressive stats with 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds in just 10 games thus far this season.
Reports suggest that if the Mavericks decide to trade the star big man, teams such as the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors are monitoring the situation closely, as noted by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Pistons, currently leading the Eastern Conference with a strong 19-5 record, could significantly enhance their championship aspirations by adding a player of Davis’ caliber to their already competitive roster. Similarly, the Raptors stand at 15-10 and would gain a considerable boost from Davis, while the Hawks, already on the edge of playoff contention, could elevate their status as well with his addition.
Future Considerations
However, it’s not a foregone conclusion that the Mavericks will part ways with Davis. Discussions between Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, and Mavericks co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi revealed that the organization prefers to evaluate the team’s prospects in the coming weeks before making final decisions regarding Davis’ future.
Reports suggest that the Mavericks might even consider offering Davis an extension before reaching the summer of 2024, when he will be eligible for a massive four-year, $275 million extension that could extend into his late 30s.
Davis’ current contract runs through this season and next, followed by a player option worth $62.7 million for the 2027-28 season, at which point he would be 34. The prospect of losing him without trade value might compel the Mavericks to act sooner rather than later.
Exploring Other Trade Options
In addition to Davis, the Mavericks are reportedly exploring options for trades involving players like Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell. However, Davis is likely to attract the most attention from potential suitors, given his superstar status and potential to transform a franchise.
Should he become available, multiple teams in contention will undoubtedly engage with the Mavericks to assess the trade possibilities and potential costs involved in acquiring him.
