With the NBA trade deadline coming up next month, Anthony Davis has become one of the most popular names on the trade block.
While Davis doesn’t seem to be forcing his way out of Dallas, Texas, it seems the Mavs are willing to make a shift as they’ve been wiping away the shocking Luka Doncic deal that took place last year.
Until the situation is resolved with a deal or put on hold due to the deadline taking place, Davis’ name will remain relevant in the rumor mill.
What Are the Mavericks Looking For?
NBA Insider Chris Haynes recently touched on the topic, noting that rival NBA executives still expect Davis to get moved before the deadline this year. He specifically brought up the Atlanta Hawks, who have a trade saga of their own with Trae Young.
“We've been hearing talks about Dallas and Atlanta doing something,” Haynes said recently.
“So there's been some back and forth between those two ball clubs. But ultimately, as of right now, there is nothing that is finalized. I'm told there isn't anything imminent on that front.”
It seems the situation should be as simple as the two teams will swap their stars with some filler pieces and call it a day, but the Mavericks have a price in mind, and it isn’t expected to involve Trae Young.
“Dallas, they want some expiring contracts,” Haynes explained. “They also want a nice, promising young player on board as well. That continues to be something that is blocking the situation.”
This year, Young is making $45.9 million and has a player option for $48 million next year. Picking him up could require a two-year commitment, something the Mavs don’t seem interested in at this time.
The Hawks have four expiring deals on their sheet, one of which is a two-way contract (Caleb Houston). The other three are Keaton Wallace, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis.
As far as promising young players go, Zaccharie Risacher feels like the obvious name at this time. One has to assume that Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels are out of the question.
Lately, Risacher’s name has come up as a potential trade piece for Atlanta just one year after the Hawks selected him No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
He’s been a full-time starter for Atlanta, posting 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists with 45 percent shooting from the field in 110 games.
There seems to be a lot of resistance from both sides on different fronts right now, leaving the Davis trade saga alive for a little while longer. If the Hawks are interested, they’ll have to consider that price.