A blockbuster NBA trade idea sending Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks to the Chicago Bulls has been created.
NBA writer Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Mavericks and Bulls:
Chicago Bulls Acquire: Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks Acquire: Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected), 2029 first-round swap
Davis was born and raised in Chicago. The Mavericks are expected to trade the future Hall of Famer after firing Nico Harrison as general manager, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.
“Anthony Davis wasn’t so sure about playing for the Chicago Bulls the last time his future was up in the air, but he might be more open to embracing a hometown that would hug him back, especially now he knows what it’s like to be the walking embodiment of a fanbase’s derision,” Hughes wrote. “The 32-year-old didn’t trade himself to the Dallas Mavericks, but he will be ‘the guy we got for Luka Dončić‘ as long as he’s there. The focus on him will only intensify now that Nico Harrison is gone.
“AD needs a fresh start, and the Mavs must move on, orienting themselves around Cooper Flagg, flexibility and future assets. If they can land a point guard to alleviate their biggest roster hole in the process, all the better. Let’s get the Bulls back on the right track after their strong start gave way to a swoon; let’s also hit refresh on the Mavericks by allowing Davis to escape a hostile environment he had no part in creating.”
Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade, two Chicago natives, played for the Bulls. Both players loved playing at home, so it can be assumed that Davis would enjoy playing in Chicago.
Davis has appeared in just 14 games with the Mavericks since the blockbuster Dončić trade last season. AD is averaging 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.9 blocks per game in a Dallas uniform.
A Kentucky product, Davis has played in only five games this season. He’s currently dealing with a left calf strain and it’s unknown when the 10-time All-Star will suit up again.
Davis is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game this season. He turns 33 in March.
A top 75 player of all time, Davis has played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers and Mavericks. He has career averages of 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks per game.
One of the best two-way players in NBA history, Davis is making $54.1 million this season. He will make $58.5 million next season and has a player option for the 2027–28 season worth $62.8 million.
The Mavericks are expected to work with Davis’ camp as they decide whether to pursue an in-season trade, sources said. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group is Davis’ agent.