The Dallas Mavericks have long been rumored to be shopping Anthony Davis, but one key wish might prevent him from wanting to be moved.
By now, you've heard the rumors: the Dallas Mavericks are openly shopping Anthony Davis on the trade market, and the Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks are all viable landing spots.
From Davis's perspective, a trade should make sense. Dallas fans will never embrace him simply because he arrived at the expense of Luka Doncic. That's not his fault, but he will forever be linked to the worst trade in NBA history.
On top of that, the Mavericks' competitive timeline is now firmly centered on rookie Cooper Flagg, so the remainder of Davis' prime doesn't really line up with where Dallas is trying to go.
Still, in order to fulfill one key career wish, Davis shouldn't be pushing for a trade. He's on the perfect team for one key reason.
Why Davis Shouldn't Demand Trade From Dallas
Davis has long been open about the fact that he sees himself as a power forward, not a center. He found success on the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers at the four spot, sharing the frontcourt with JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard. It's why the New Orleans Pelicans traded for DeMarcus Cousins.
Since that 2020 Finals run, Davis has been asked to play a more traditional center role, and he hasn't been secretive about his disdain for the position.
The Bulls would ask him to replace Nikola Vucevic. The Raptors, Jakob Poeltl. The Warriors need a presence down low, and the Hawks wouldn't mind a bruiser down low to complement Jalen Johnson.
Basically, every feasible landing spot would require Davis to remain in the center position, which frustrates him. Between Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, the Mavericks have two capable centers. There's no reason for Davis to ever be the sole big man, and the addition of Flagg adds even more size to the frontcourt.
Let's assume the Mavericks don't make a blockbuster move. Kyrie Irving will eventually return, and Dallas should be back in a playoff spot.
If Davis is serious about maximizing his prime, he should look to join a team ready to win now, like the Hawks or Warriors. However, if he wants to prolong his career by playing in a less demanding position, the Mavericks have the perfect role for him.
Davis is yet to speak on the trade rumors, but it's safe to say that a part of him doesn't want to be on the move again.