The Anthony Davis trade buzz has traction again, and Atlanta is being framed as the most motivated suitor right now. Before suffering a groin injury, Davis was excellent this month — over 23 points, nearly 13 rebounds, elite defense — and that stretch has clearly reignited interest after things went quiet following Nico Harrison’s firing.

From a Dallas perspective, the Hawks are one of the few teams that can actually get a deal to the table. They can handle the bulk of the salary matching with expiring contracts of Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard, they have Zaccharie Risacher — a recent No. 1 pick they’re reportedly open to moving in the right package — and they finally have draft flexibility again after working through most of the Dejounte Murray debt.

But there are firm limits on what Atlanta is willing to include.

Jalen Johnson is viewed internally as off limits, and the Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick is widely considered a nonstarter. Instead, any realistic framework likely centers on Porziņģis’ expiring deal, Risacher, and secondary draft assets — swaps or mid-firsts rather than a true franchise-changer. On paper, that’s clean. In practice, it forces Dallas to decide whether flexibility and optionality are worth more than holding onto a player who still tilts games when healthy.

The money adds another layer. Davis is owed more than $58 million next season, with an extension decision looming after that. Dallas would be committing to that risk long-term unless they moved him later. Atlanta, meanwhile, would be flirting with the luxury tax and possibly the apron for a roster that hasn’t proven it’s close to contention, which raises real questions about how far they’re actually willing to go.

So if you’re the Mavericks, this becomes less about “is there interest?” and more about leverage.

Do you move Davis now while a motivated team is calling, even if the very best assets are off limits? Or do you hold, ride the production, and only make a deal if someone crosses a line they’d rather not cross?

If Atlanta calls with Porziņģis, Risacher, Kennard, and at least one future first-round pick — but no Jalen Johnson and no Pelicans 2026 first — are you doing it, or waiting for something better?