The Dallas Mavericks appear to be listening to potential trade partners about a deal involving Anthony Davis.
The Atlanta Hawks have been named as an early frontrunner of potential teams to make a trade with the Dallas Mavericks for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis.
What would they give up? Reports seem to suggest that 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher could be included as the Hawks are underwhelmed by his development to this point, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Mavs would be in pursuit of draft assets and youth to begin building around rookie Cooper Flagg, so the possibility of adding a young versatile wing like Risacher could be “in the right scenario” for both sides.
Dallas would also be interested in adding draft capital as the team does not control its first round picks from 2027-2031.
Numerous sources are saying, however, that Atlanta's coveted first-rounder from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2026 will be untouchable, along with breakout star forward Jalen Johnson, who's averaging 23.7 points per game.
But another piece potentially departing Atlanta? All-Star guard Trae Young, as reported by ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
The Hawks are "indicating that they're looking for an exit ramp," to offload Young and begin a rebuild around Johnson. The 27-year-old point guard has only played in 10 of Atlanta's 33 games.
Young was infamously drafted by the Mavericks at No. 5 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft and then swapped for Luka Doncic, who was drafted third by the Hawks. Doncic shined in Dallas, but with the Mavs still possessing a star point guard in Kyrie Irving, even amid his injury, Trae's inclusion in a trade for Davis is unlikely.
The former Oklahoma Sooner is a younger lead guard than the 33-year-old Irving, but Dallas cannot afford to sacrifice the scoring ability Irving provides over Young, especially if Davis is moved.
It would be a boost to the Mavs current lineup, but there isn't much logic in pairing two ball-dominant guards like Young and Irving together once the veteran returns from injury in the new year. Those added touches will only take away looks for Flagg, which exactly contradicts how the Mavs want to develop their future star.
MacMahon references this as he says the Mavs are interested in getting a deal done with Atlanta, but that including Young is not in the picture.
A more realistic deal with Atlanta and Dallas likely includes Risacher, expiring contracts like Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard that help match Davis' salary, and a draft pick or two.
Team governor Patrick Dumont has seemed to sidestep trade rumors altogether when he said the Mavericks are interested in seeing how Davis, Flagg and Irving fit on the floor together, but injuries are almost surely going to get in the way of that - if the possibility even arises before the Feb. 5 deadline.
And Mavs fans may not be so keen on Dumont making basketball-related decisions, anyway.
Young may still be dealt out of Atlanta, but as it relates to the Mavs, that exit ramp likely does not connect to I35 in downtown Dallas.