TL;DR
- Dallas Mavericks are 13th in Western Conference with a 4-12 record, facing trade speculation for Anthony Davis.
- Owner Mark Cuban denied trading Anthony Davis, aiming to win now.
- NBA insider Shams Charania reported Mavericks are exploring trade value for Anthony Davis.
- The Mavericks may be shifting focus from immediate championship to a longer strategy with Cooper Flagg.
With the NBA season now at its midpoint, Antony Davis' potential trade is drawing more notice as the Dallas Mavericks are currently ranked 13th in the Western Conference with a 4-12 win-loss record. However, minority owner Mark Cuban has unequivocally stated that they have no intention of trading AD.
NBA insider Shams Charania presented a report that directly challenges Cuban's position. Should Charania's report prove true, it suggests the front office may be reconsidering its immediate championship aspirations.
Reports suggest the Mavericks are open to discussing trade possibilities involving Anthony Davis.
At this stage of the season, the Mavericks' campaign has been a disaster. They've dropped 12 of their initial 16 contests, dismissed GM Nico Harrison, and witnessed their anticipated championship window crumble.
Rookie Cooper Flagg has been the sole positive, with everything else proving problematic. Lacking Davis, they've shown minimal defense against rivals since his calf strain sidelined him.
Given the 32-year-old's limited current contribution to the team, considerable trade speculation has emerged regarding him. However, on Wednesday, Cuban definitively dismissed this possibility in an email to The Athletic. He said, “We won’t. We want to try to win.” The management is keen to observe Davis's synergy with Flagg before finalizing any choices, though they are actively receiving inquiries.
After Cuban’s email, ESPN’s Charania came out with a completely different report while speaking on the latest NBA Countdown. He said, “The Mavericks will be listening to trade calls for Anthony Davis and seeing and exploring his value.”
On the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis for ESPN NBA Countdown: pic.twitter.com/RkREx0cbVo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 20, 2025
He stated that the club is shifting focus from the immediate championship opportunity established by the previous general manager to a more extended strategy prioritizing Flagg.
Charania highlighted that Davis's physical condition will be a significant consideration, not only for Dallas in determining his suitability for the long haul but also for other teams gauging his trade worth. Although Davis has demonstrated moments of exceptional play when fit, his consistent presence on the court is still uncertain.
Cuban's direct refutation contrasts sharply with Charania's reported information, highlighting a potential divergence between what's publicly stated and the team's actual plans. Nevertheless, as the NBA trade deadline remains distant, the Mavericks seem to be maintaining flexibility in their approach.
Honestly, given the statistics show that the Mavericks’ win rate plummets without Davis, Cuban's comments appear reasonable, implying their rebuilding strategy will center on AD, with or without his participation.
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