The Dallas Mavericks, according to NBA trade rumors, are expected to part ways with Anthony Davis, and plenty of teams have been linked to the center.
While Trey Murphy III and Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the most reliable players listed in NBA trade rumors this season, Anthony Davis is right up there as one of the most talented. After sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Davis last February, the Dallas Mavericks are largely expected to shop him before the deadline.
Dallas, of course, has been urged to go all-in on Cooper Flagg, who has been proving that he can take over as a franchise centerpiece.
Davis has been linked to the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Chicago Bulls more than any other teams, and the odds point to Davis most likely ending up in the Eastern Conference.
The Lakers have struggled with their interior defense this season and could use an extra rebounder, although they don't really have the assets to land him, barring an unexpected Austin Reaves trade.
While the Mavericks should love the idea of landing Reaves, the odds point to Davis heading elsewhere, with his two former teams being distant picks.
Anthony Davis' Next Landing Spot Odds
- Atlanta Hawks 2/1
- Detroit Pistons 4/1
- Toronto Raptors 5/1
- Chicago Bulls 7/1
- Golden State Warriors 9/1
- New York Knicks 10/1
- San Antonio Spurs 12/1
- Miami Heat 12/1
- Minnesota Timberwolves 14/1
- Cleveland Cavaliers 16/1
- Indiana Pacers 16/1
- Denver Nuggets 20/1
- Portland Trail Blazers 25/1
- Sacramento Kings 25/1
- Milwaukee Bucks 33/1
- Houston Rockets 40/1
- Oklahoma City Thunder 45/1
- Los Angeles Clippers 50/1
- New Orleans Pelicans 66/1
- Los Angeles Lakers 75/1
Odds courtesy of SportsBetting
While a player of Davis' talent should draw interest around the NBA, his injury history makes justifying sending a massive haul to Dallas hard. That might not be what fans want to hear, but between the now-injured Dereck Lively II, Flagg, and Ryan Nembhard, the Mavericks have a well-rounded young core.
Add in their 2026 first-round draft pick, and the Mavericks should be able to bolster their young depth around Flagg. Of course, odds are not favorable that Dallas will once again land the top overall pick, although the 2026 draft class is one of the deepest ones fans have ever seen.
While Eastern Conference teams could use a player like Davis to boost their Finals chances, the real story will be if the Mavericks' new general manager can undo some of the damage done by the trade that brought AD to town in the first place.