NBA update: Anthony Davis to Dallas Mavericks? Trade buzz heats up as Mavs test the market while Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks weigh risky options

Ahead of the February trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks appear to be exploring star forward/center Anthony Davis, which is fortunate given his contract and injury history. By the time he is 34, he will earn almost $63 million in a season, although he hasn't participated in even half of the Mavericks' games.

NBA source Jake Fischer stated in a Bleacher Report livestream on Tuesday that organizations interested in trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks might want to "hold their powder" and wait to see what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Warriors remain cautious on Anthony Davis talks as trade hurdles grow and Hawks emerge as strongest suitor

The Warriors haven't entirely ruled out the possibility of trading for Anthony Davis, but any practical route seems, at best, limited. Sam Amick of The Athletic reports that Warriors sources are still "staunchly" against trading Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler. An AD trade is extremely unlikely based only on that viewpoint.

Amick listed the Dubs as one of the five teams most in need of reaching a deal by the early February deadline, but he devoted the majority of his remarks to explaining why it could be challenging.

Amick wrote on Wednesday, December 31:

“A Butler-for-Davis swap works financially, as the Warriors forward also makes $54.1 million this season, but Golden State has shown no interest in making such a move.. While team sources say the Warriors have not entirely closed the door on a Davis deal, it appears unlikely. What’s more, it should be noted that the Mavericks called Golden State about the Davis possibility — and not the other way around.”




Giannis appears likely to remain with the Bucks for the time being, at least through the offseason. Naturally, that can alter between now and the deadline of February 5. Teams would naturally be reluctant to cash in for AD if it doesn't and the Mavericks make Davis available, given that Giannis might become available during the summer.

Even though Giannis is only a year younger than Davis, he is one of the best players in the NBA, and if he did ask for a trade, Milwaukee's phone would ring nonstop. Even if AD may be excellent when healthy, there wouldn't be as much demand if he were available as there would be if Giannis were. He hasn't specifically asked out, and look at how things are already.

Amick goes on to say that Dallas started the initial discussions, implying that the Warriors weren't aggressively looking for a way to sign Davis. Although Davis has also been connected to the Hawks, the Mavericks don't seem to be committed to trading him just yet.

The Mavericks are making calls to other teams, but the Atlanta Hawks have clearly emerged as the most likely bidder for Davis. The Golden State Warriors are among them, according to Sam Amico of The Athletic, since the Mavericks seem to be interested in Jonathan Kuminga.

Reported financial challenges complicate potential Anthony Davis move before deadline

According to league insiders, the Dallas Mavericks are interested in Jonathan Kuminga, although his $22.5 million salary is far less than Davis' $54 million. It would be nearly impossible for Golden State to match money without losing a key veteran because they are operating right up against the second apron.

Fischer stated on the livestream that most people are "operating under the assumption" that Davis will remain in Dallas until the end of the season, thus none of this may matter, at least not before the deadline. A few days ago, NBA source Marc Stein revealed that before making a deal, Patrick Dumont wants to watch AD play with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.

Davis has a career average of 24 points per game and is currently averaging 20.5 points this season. As one of the league's top roll finishers, he gives Stephen Curry a distinct pick-and-roll option even though he doesn't spread the floor with a 3-point shooting.


Also read: NBA injury update: Is Anthony Davis playing tonight vs Portland Trail Blazers? Dallas Mavericks star await clarity on groin injury