Anthony Davis could become the biggest name on the trade market heading into the deadline, but only if he shows he can be healthy and productive for an extended stretch, Marc Stein of The Stein Line writes in his latest Substack column (subscription required).
Injuries have plagued Davis ever since the Mavericks acquired him last February. He missed his eighth straight game on Sunday with a strained left calf, and the team announced that he won’t be reevaluated for another week to 10 days.
Even with last night’s overtime victory against Portland, Dallas is off to a 4-10 start and Stein states that rival teams are expecting the Mavs’ front office to listen to offers for Davis. However, he added that there’s a “general consensus leaguewide” that Davis will have to show he can stay on the court throughout December and January to convince teams that he’s worth a major trade offer.
Davis averaged 25 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in Dallas’ first four games before leaving with the calf injury after playing just seven minutes on October 29. He has been an All-Star the past two seasons and is still a dominant inside force when he’s healthy. However, he was limited to nine games last season and may no longer be part of the future plans for the Mavericks, who have the option of rebuilding around top pick Cooper Flagg.
Davis, who’s still in the first season of a three-year, $175MM extension, is owed $58.5MM in 2026/27 and holds a $62.8MM player option for 2027/28. He’ll become eligible for another extension next summer.
Stein states that Daniel Gafford is considered to be “the most tradable” Maverick, but frequent injuries to Davis and Dereck Lively II could make the team reluctant to part with Gafford.
There’s more from Stein:
- Mark Cuban is providing “input and counsel” to the Mavericks’ management team after being out of that circle for the past year-and-a-half, sources tell Stein. Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley were appointed as co-general managers on an interim basis after Nico Harrison‘s firing last week, and Stein states that they’re the most prominent voices in the organization, along with coach Jason Kidd.
- Stein reports that Bob Myers isn’t a candidate to eventually replace Harrison in Dallas. The former Warriors general manager isn’t available, even as a consultant, after recently becoming president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns teams in the NFL, NHL and Premier League, along with the Sixers. Myers is a friend of Mavs CEO Rick Welts, and Stein suggests that he may be asked for input as the team seeks its next permanent GM. Stein adds that Myers has turned down “numerous overtures” from NBA teams since leaving Golden State.
- Stein hears that the Sixers had interest in Precious Achiuwa before he signed a one-year deal with the Kings two weeks ago.
mavs are not trading AD. First that would get fans even more upset showing they gave away Luka. Second his value is so low right now it would be a mistake. No team is giving up a boat load of players for him.
IMO I wanted New York to keep Precious but they are financially in trouble to add anyone else. I’m sure next summer will get even more interesting. I’m guessing if they don’t get to the Finals changes are coming. Possibly moving injury prone OG.
Yeah you can’t move AD now. The plan was to pair him with Kyrie. And right now his value is low.
I think the Mavs admitting what a colossal f-up this was and moving on from Davis – is exactly what they should do….
Start the build around Cooper Flagg right now!
100% agree. This season is done. Kyrie not playing this season and at his age, injury history, coming off ACL he won’t be the old Kyrie next year either.
The Mavs need to go to full rebuild mode.they should tank this year as they hold the 2026 draft pick. The worst thing they can do is fight to be outside the lottery, but going nowhere.
I thought Meyers is already working with Sixers ??
Mavs get on a winning streak. And all this noise goes away. Even with getting Cooper in draft. They weren’t expected to be better than top 8. So it’s not like they can’t do that with 67 gms left in season. Imo the Kyrie situation is more telling. Cause he won’t be back till next year.
I would work on getting this team right for next year. With Cooper a year older. A full healthy team. Adding Another #1 pick next year.
Would take AD for PG if that helps hahaha
Why doesn’t this team that is coached by one of the all time greats at PG have an actual PG!? Yet they have three players who could start (if healthy) for most teams at center. The knew Kyrie was not going to play and went into this season with D-Lo at point!? He’s a shoot first combo at best. Not an NBA PG. bad planning. Deal Gafford already. He’s not helping their out of balance roster win any games.
Bc Nico Harrison made the dumbest trade in history
Mavs should tank this season by trading the vets with positive value now: Gafford, Washington, Marshall. Trade Davis and Irving once they’re healthy enough to have a market. Let Klay and D-Lo command the tank