If the Dallas Mavericks decide to shop Anthony Davis before the trade deadline, expect all of the suitors to come from the Eastern Conference.
If the Dallas Mavericks shop Anthony Davis before the February trade deadline, expect him to end up in the Eastern Conference.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls have all been linked to the All-Star big man, and another East team with playoff hopes seems to be brewing.
The Toronto Raptors have fallen back to Earth after their scorching start to the season and NBA Cup, although they remain in the mix of the league's worst conference. Between Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have ample wing talent. All they need is a defensive upgrade down low. Davis fits the bill.
"The Dallas Mavericks are open to moving Davis ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, and the Raptors are firmly in the mix as potential suitors," wrote Fan Recap's Dan Waterstone. "Toronto’s interest makes sense on multiple levels. The team has quietly assembled an intriguing mix of young talent and future draft assets - the kind of combination that gives them real flexibility in trade talks. And while there’s been some chatter about the Raptors wanting to dip below the luxury tax line (they’re currently about $770,000 over), the front office appears willing to consider all options if it means bringing in a game-changing frontcourt presence like Davis or Domantas Sabonis."
Around Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks need a viable point guard in case Kyrie Irving's return is delayed or in case his torn ACL simply ends his prime. Ryan Ne,mbhard has been capable, but as a two-way player, he is not a long-term solution.
To balance Davis' salary, the Raptors would have to give up either RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley, plus some other, cheaper contracts. Quickley and backup point guard Jamal Shead are both averaging career-highs in assists, and the Mavericks would have to demand one of those backcourt players in a deal.
Quickley, given his NBA experience, seems like a better option next to Flagg. He is not the most efficient scorer by any means, but he takes care of the ball and can get to his spots. A long-term lineup of Irving, Quickley, PJ Washington, Flagg, Dereck Livley II, and Naji Marshall would be solid on both siudes opf the ball.
Plus, it would finally give Dallas a clear direction. The Raptors have been hoarding draft capital in pursuit of a "big fish," and Davis certainly fits the bill. Masai Ujiri might no longer be calling the shots, but Toronto has a history of bold, flashy moves.