The Dallas Mavericks are currently one of the worst teams in the NBA, struggling to maintain a spot in the Play-In Tournament picture. Entering Dec. 8 action, Dallas is 11th in the Western Conference with a 9-16 record.
While the Mavericks have stars like Anthony Davis, the injured Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson on their roster, it’s clear that things aren’t going their way.
Irving remains out with his torn ACL, and fans are concerned that he might not be the same player he once was when he returns on the floor in early 2026. Thompson, on the other hand, is now a shell of his former self, no longer generating the prolific offensive performances he once did.
As for Davis, he’s still the same injury-prone player he was before joining Dallas. With that said, it appears the Mavericks are ready to rebuild their team.
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Anthony Davis’ Time in Dallas Is Ticking
NBA insider Chris Mannix revealed that the Mavericks are actively exploring their options for a potential Davis trade this season.
“(The Dallas Mavericks) have internally and externally discussed or gauged the market on what an Anthony Davis trade could look like,” Mannix reported. “He’s not a long-term guy in Dallas. They’re going to rebuild at some point. They have looked at the market for Anthony Davis.”
While Davis’ camp and the Mavericks organization agreed to a two-month observation period this season before deciding the big man’s fate, it seems that the team is growing impatient with him.
AD is currently signed to a three-year contract worth $175,369,698. While there’s no denying that Davis is one of the best big men in the league when healthy, he’s also one of the most fragile players.
Having said that, Mannix also pointed out that Davis doesn’t have trade value because of his flaws. This means moving “The Brow” could be almost impossible this season. The only way Dallas could increase his trade value is if Davis himself remains healthy and plays at a superb level.
With all that in mind, the chances of Davis suiting up for another team this season are low. However, with Irving projected to make his 2025-26 debut in a few weeks, the outlook for the Mavericks’ season could shift. The star guard could be the missing piece to the puzzle to help Dallas come alive in the second half of the season.
For the time being, all the Mavericks can do is hope Davis can remain healthy and shine when on the floor, a development that would both bolster any potential trade value and improve the team’s short-term fortunes.