After pulling the trigger and parting ways with Nico Harrison — a move that has “calmed” the turbulent direction of the Dallas Mavericks — the Texas franchise is now expected to be among the teams looking to energize a trade market that is just days away from entering a crucial phase.
On December 15, several players will become eligible to be traded to another team.
The Mavericks’ goal is clear: build a competitive project around Cooper Flagg. To do so, the organization plans to reshape its core, aiming to shed salary and inject youth into the roster.
That is why one of the main candidates to be moved is Anthony Davis, a highly appealing piece for many teams seeking to raise their ceiling and strengthen their playoff aspirations.
Despite recent links to the Chicago Bulls — a destination that grows less likely by the game — ESPN has revealed a list of teams expected to pursue the star big man: the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and Atlanta Hawks.
All three are in the Eastern Conference and currently sit in playoff positions.
At 32, Davis is under contract for the current season and two more, earning a total of $175 million. He also holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28, his final year.
For the Mavericks, however, the primary obstacle to any deal remains his persistent injury issues, which have limited his availability and consistency.
On the other hand, the former Lakers center will become eligible for another contract extension beginning in August.
Beyond Davis, journalist Shams Charania reports that Dallas is also considering moving additional pieces: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and D’Angelo Russell — three players likely to depart before the deadline and expected to draw interest around the league.
In Gafford’s case, the Indiana Pacers are reportedly “actively” seeking to strengthen their frontcourt and would be among the most interested suitors.
This season, having played only 10 games so far due to recurring physical problems, Anthony Davis has averaged 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals for the Dallas Mavericks.