LAS VEGAS — Just nine months after Nico Harrison stunned the NBA world by trading Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks may already be preparing to move on from the All-Star big man.
The gamble that enraged Mavericks fans — and sparked “Fire Nico” chants at American Airlines Center — has yet to pay off. Davis, now 31, has appeared in just 14 games for Dallas since the blockbuster deal, while a slimmed-down and revitalized “Fit Luka” is thriving with the Los Angeles Lakers. The optics have only intensified after Harrison was fired this week while reports circulate that the franchise is considering another major pivot.
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The Mavericks are reportedly exploring options to get younger and build around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, whose two-way flashes and defensive instincts have given Dallas a new developmental identity. That shift has fueled speculation that Davis could be moved before the trade deadline.
Sports betting site BetOnline.ag released odds this week projecting potential destinations if Dallas decides to trade the eight-time All-Star. The Chicago Bulls open as the favorite at 2/1, with the San Antonio Spurs close behind at 3/1.
Chicago represents an intriguing fit. Davis — who grew up in the city — would give the Bulls a franchise-level talent and a hometown storyline. The Spurs sit second largely due to their clear need for a frontline veteran alongside Victor Wembanyama, whose defensive versatility could theoretically mask Davis’ durability concerns.
The New York Knicks (5/1) and Golden State Warriors (7/1) also stand out as realistic suitors. New York has long sought a marquee star, and pairing Davis with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns would dramatically raise their ceiling — assuming the Knicks don’t need to include Towns in the deal. Golden State, meanwhile, remains in win-now mode and could see Davis as a path to extend Stephen Curry’s championship window.
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Miami (8/1), Cleveland (9/1) and Toronto (10/1) also appear in the top tier of potential destinations.
Further down the board, Portland (12/1) and Minnesota (14/1) present younger roster fits, while contenders like Denver (20/1) and Milwaukee (33/1) make the list more out of curiosity than probability.
The longest shot? A Lakers reunion — listed at 75/1 — underscoring just how far removed the Dončić-for-Davis swap already feels.
For now, Davis remains a Maverick. But if Dallas continues to lean into youth development and Flagg-centric rebuilding, the next major trade involving the former No. 1 pick may not be far away.
And in Dallas, fans who once watched Dončić become the franchise face are watching closely — and loudly.