The Dallas Mavericks have a decision to make on star big man Anthony Davis. He’s 32 years old, has often been injured in his career, doesn’t quite fit the rest of the roster, and is set to make more than $62 million by the time he’s 34 years old.
Most seem to think that trading Davis is what’s best for both sides, but he’s still a really good player. Is there a world where the Mavericks can convince Anthony Davis to play center full-time, where he’s been playing the last few games with a lot of success, and keep him around for the future?
According to ESPN‘s NBA insider Shams Charania, the Mavericks have discussed possibly extending Anthony Davis, who is eligible for a four-year, $275 million contract this coming summer.
“Davis’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, has met with Mavericks interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi and requested clarity about whether the franchise wants to extend Davis in the offseason or trade him ahead of the deadline,” Charania reported. “Finley and Riccardi stated the franchise wants to keep its options open and view how the team plays for the next few weeks. They have not ruled out the possibility of an extension.
“…Davis, who turns 33 in March, will become eligible Aug. 6 to sign up to a four-year, $275 million max extension. The extension would pay him $76 million in his age-37 season. Without an extension, he can be a free agent in 2027 if he declines his $62.8 million player option that offseason.”
Dec 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) holds his hand after a play in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks expected to explore trades for key veterans, including Anthony Davis
The Mavericks’ Path For Anthony Davis is Crystal Clear
The worst possible thing the Mavericks can do is extend Anthony Davis for $275 million. Their cap table moving forward is… not great. They just extended Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg will need an extension at some point, and players like Jaden Hardy and Caleb Martin aren’t helping.
It’s hard to imagine Davis turning down $62.8 million in two years unless he gets a commitment for a big extension. He’d be dumb to turn down that kind of money for a season. With the way his body goes, he’d be making more than $1 million per game. It’s also hard to see any team giving him a $275 million extension. Even $200 million for four years sounds like a nightmare, but maybe a two-year, $100 million contract could be somethig that pleases both sides, whoever he eventually gets traded to.
READ MORE: 3 teams who could trade for Mavericks’ Anthony Davis, per NBA insider
Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2025-26 season
Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter
More Dallas Mavericks NewsMavericks finally admit mistake in trading Luka Doncic to Lakers, fire Nico Harrison3 Anthony Davis NBA trade ideas now that Mavericks have fired Nico HarrisonMark Cuban says how ‘painful’ it is with Luka Doncic on Lakers instead of MavericksMavericks already pushing for former executive to be Nico Harrison replacement