Mavericks stay in driver’s seat amid Anthony Davis trade speculation

Sami Haider

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Mavericks stay in driver’s seat amid Anthony Davis trade speculation image

With only 9 days until the February 5, 2026 trade deadline, Anthony Davis is likely staying with the Dallas Mavericks. Initially sought after by teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors, interest has waned due to his injury and high contract.

The Mavericks are in a strong position with no urgency to trade Davis and will only consider a deal if the offer is favorable.

Suitors have backed away due to Davis's $54.1 million salary and the injury risk. Reports indicate Davis would prefer to "stay put" in Dallas for the remainder of the season.

While Davis's market is tepid, rival teams are showing strong interest in Mavericks forward Naji Marshall.

Paul stated, "I know what was said. That thing was aggregated. This is the power of the internet." He insists business prioritizes player happiness.

Davis is out with ligament damage in his left hand, suffered on January 8, 2026. He chose not to have surgery to keep his chances of returning this season alive, with a re-evaluation set for late February. 

Mavericks ownership, led by Patrick Dumont, wants to see Davis, Kyrie Irving, and rookie Cooper Flagg play together before making major roster changes.

Prior to his injury, Anthony Davis played only 20 games for the Dallas Mavericks this season before his injury, averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. He also had a strong defensive impact, averaging 1.7 blocks per game and shooting 50.6% from the field.

Anthony Davis and Rich Paul hold conflicting views on future

ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon indicates a split between the player and management. MacMahon reported, "I've been told that he's not pushing to be traded and that he's comfortable here, in Dallas."

Paul is seeking a trade before the deadline, primarily due to financial concerns. The Mavericks hesitate to give Davis a big contract extension because of his injury history; he's played only 20 games this season. 

Paul sees Dallas's cautious approach as a rejection and wants Davis moved to a team that will commit to a long-term max extension.

Davis has told the team he is "comfortable" in Dallas and is not seeking a trade. He wants an extension but prefers to stay and compete for a championship with the current roster.

On January 25, 2026, Paul addressed these reports on his podcast Game Over, calling the narrative of a formal trade demand "fake news" and "aggregated" misinformation. 

He emphasized that while his job is to ensure his clients are "positioned to be paid," he does not force moves if a player is genuinely happy.

Davis joined the Dallas Mavericks on February 2, 2025, in a groundbreaking midseason trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

This three-team deal, which also included the Utah Jazz, marked the first instance in NBA history of two reigning All-NBA players being traded midseason. The Mavericks aimed to strengthen their defense by acquiring Davis as a top defensive anchor.

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