ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that the Hawks were considered likely to remain in pursuit of Mavericks big man Anthony Davis after clearing Trae Young‘s salary from their books for next season. However, a Davis deal between the two teams looks unlikely at this juncture, sources tell Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com.
While Atlanta has a level of interest in Davis, the team has been unwilling to part with either Zaccharie Risacher or the prized 2026 first-round pick the team controls (better of Pelicans’ or Bucks’) in talks for the 10-time All-Star, Afseth writes. I’d be very surprised if that 2026 first-rounder is ever made available under any circumstances, let alone for an oft-injured star in his 30s like Davis, so a potential trade may hinge on whether the Hawks change their stance on Risacher.
Several reports have stated Davis is looking for a contract extension in the offseason, but the Mavs aren’t making any promises on that front, according to Afseth. The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Davis’ camp aren’t convinced Dallas is interested in an extension and wouldn’t mind trying to get him to a team more likely to pursue a new deal.
Here are some more trade rumors from around the NBA:
- Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca confirms the Raptors have conveyed “exploratory interest” in Davis, but he’s skeptical that a trade will be consummated (Twitter video link). As Lewenberg explains, Toronto’s outgoing salary in a two-team deal with Dallas for Davis would probably consist of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, and if that were the case, the Mavericks would likely want multiple first-round picks in the deal. The Raptors have shown a willingness to take buy-low swings on stars with lengthy injury histories in the past, Lewenberg adds, but giving up two or three first-rounders for Davis wouldn’t qualify as buying low.
- As for what moves look likely for the Raptors, getting below the luxury tax line is a priority, according to Lewenberg, who continues to hear Ochai Agbaji is a potential salary-dump candidate, though he acknowledges the team would likely have to attach a sweetener or two in such a deal. Lewenberg points to Daniel Gafford (Mavericks) and Goga Bitadze (Magic) as a couple of centers to keep an eye on, but says the Raptors have also been happy with the development of Collin Murray-Boyles and don’t want to impede the rookie big man’s progress. Overall, a significant Raptors trade looks more likely to occur in the offseason than before the February 5 deadline, Lewenberg adds.
- On the “Clutch Scoops” show (Twitter video link), Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints said the Bulls are a potential suitor for Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. “Keep a close eye on the [Bulls] maybe pursuing Zion Williamson. … I’ve heard that there’s been some smoke there about Chicago scouting New Orleans in recent weeks and Zion would be the ideal buy-low candidate for a team like the Bulls who have a lot of expiring contracts,” Siegel said.
I really just don’t see the Mavs breaking up Flagg/Kyrie/AD before they even play a single minute together. I do think they could possibly trade pretty much everyone else on the roster.
Insane that the Mavs would trade Luka Dončić for a player and then not want to extend that player. I don’t care that they fired the GM. This is a terrible look for the new owner. Nobody other than the brain dead flagg will ever want to come play for them ever again.
better a “terrible look” for the new owner than a terrible extension. Then they are saddled for years
Yeah Bulls want Williamson? His own mother doesn’t want him. I’d only take him if the Pelicans took Patrick Williams. Then I might. Zion would be injured most of the time anyway.
Wow the Bulls, really. I guess buying low he’s worth a look. Not a Zion guy. To me AD is a better risk. Zion age is a better timeline for Bulls. It would be great if he ever got it together. Good luck with that.
Always liked Agbaji as a 2Way talent. Surprised he hasn’t made an impact yet. Haven’t really followed him.
Be real interesting to see if AD gets an extension and from who ?? I just can’t see the Mavs moving him this year. With Kyrie coming back next yr. I wouldn’t just give him away. Tanking for a lottery pick is not a bad idea. But at the expense of giving AD away. I’m just not sure about moving AD.
Yeah AD came back for 1 game and hurt his hand tonight. Yeah he’s a much better risk. LMAO
He’s been back for last 4 gms. And played 32 mins going 2-2. Has played 19 gms this yr avg over 31 mins. He’s played more gms than Coby. And avg more mins than every Bull except Giddey.
Update that cheap phone and get off 🦗 ……
Oh and I pray you get Zion. You deserve him.
If it was Williams for Williamson it would be worthless for worthless. Except the Bulls might have a slight chance of trading Zion. Zero chance of trading Williams.
For what it’s worth, AD hasn’t played 5 games in a row yet for the Mavs. Yikes.
He’s played more than Zion last 5 yrs.
Shams=Rich Paul=Davis, lols. Dudes done lads, good luck getting him paid again. Is anyone dumb enough?
Right now, the Mavs should trade Davis to any 20’s young player… Davis will likely retire in 2 yrs max! Lol
Really not sure why the hawks would undoubtedly the good work of getting out from under Young’s contract without sweetening the deal with a draft pick, only to give up a good young player for a guy who’s always injured… I mean, they weren’t winning a title with Trae, but at least he sells tickets by actually playing. Not invested in the Hawks success but hope they rethink this…
Raps should(trade Poetl,Gradey,Agbaji with 3 picks to)acquire Markkanen or (with one first rounder to acquire)Sabonis.
So not even a youngster with high upside? Just some veteran rotation guys that eat up cap space and three what would be late 1sts for Markannen? The Jazz should be competitive next season. Another lottery pick and a lot, and I mean a lot of cap space to fill out the roster.
I wouldn’t be opposed if we traded for Zion. Definitely better than what we have at the position and in the upcoming draft. Also, his salary is non guaranteed from what I read previously, so it’s not a huge gamble as long as no picks meaningful are involved.
Zion for Patrick Williams, Vu, Julian Phillips plus a future 2nd rounder would sweeten the deal.
Giddey/Ayo (resigned), Buzelis, Zion, Collins (resigned), then you can draft the best player available in June, could be a 2 guard or a big man.
NOP won’t give him up unless they’re getting something valuable in return. In Chi’s case that would have to be draft picks.