Anthony Davis’ arrival in Dallas didn’t work out the way the Mavericks’ front office hoped for. The 6-10 big man is still operating on an elite level, topping 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 season.

But injuries have severely limited his availability, which stands at a total of 14 games for the Mavs. They have fired longtime manager Nico Harrison and are pivoting to a rebuild centered around rookie Cooper Flagg. It has sparked trade rumors around Davis.

What Are the Top 3 Landing Spots for Anthony Davis

Nothing is official yet, but the market is already forming. And if Dallas ultimately chooses to move its star big man, three destinations stand above the rest.

Chicago Bulls

No scenario checks more boxes than Chicago. The Bulls have both the motivation and the assets to make a Davis trade happen. They could exchange Davis for Nikola Vučević, Kevin Huerter, Coby White, and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick.

For Dallas, the return provides immediate depth and salary relief while keeping the roster functional during a soft rebuild around Flagg.

From the Bulls’ side, the move is even more compelling. The franchise has lacked a true defensive anchor for years, and Davis instantly transforms their identity. The hometown connection only strengthens the appeal.

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are off to a disastrous 5-14 start, giving up 123.05 points per game. They have given up the most points by a team this season so far. If the organization decides against a teardown, acquiring Davis is the boldest salvage-the-season move on the board.

A deal centered around Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis, and draft picks aligns with both teams’ needs. The Kings keep Domantas Sabonis, add an elite defensive backbone, and slot AD at power forward, giving them a legitimate two-star foundation and a path back to respectability.

AD would pair well with Sabonis, letting him handle playmaking while Davis controls the paint. If the Kings want to save their season rather than blow it up, going after Davis could possibly change their trajectory.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are the dark-horse option that quietly makes more sense than it seems. Despite off-court turmoil, the Blazers are competing harder (8-11 record) than expected behind Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deni Avdija. Damian Lillard’s eventual return adds another layer of urgency.

The Trailblazers need a true rim protector, and Davis fits that role perfectly while also giving them reliable scoring inside. A package including Jerami Grant, Robert Williams, and future picks fits the cap and gives the Mavs both value and flexibility.

For the Trail Blazers, Davis becomes the missing defensive pillar behind Lillard and Holiday, while their young bigs like Donovan Clingan develop under a generational interior defender.