The 2025-26 season has not gone as planned for the Dallas Mavericks. Anthony Davis, acquired in February as part of the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, was expected to lead the new-look Mavericks to championship contention.
However, Davis has appeared in just six games this season for Dallas, with the team now sitting 12th in the Western Conference with a 6-15 record. His limited availability, exacerbated by a calf injury first sustained on Oct. 29, has hindered the Mavericks’ ability to build consistent chemistry.
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As frustration mounts in Dallas, trade speculation around Davis has gained ground in recent weeks.
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) talks to head coach Jason Kidd.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Among the teams that have been frequently linked to Davis is the Chicago Bulls (9-10), who are reportedly looking for a legitimate rim protector as their current interior defense, especially from Nikola Vucevic, has not been great.
According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, the Bulls have held internal discussions about potentially trading for Davis, believing he could significantly shore up Chicago’s weak paint protection. Collier added that sources familiar with the matter noted that the move is considered more feasible because Davis is from Chicago — and the Bulls roster already features local players such as Ayo Dosunmu, Jevon Carter and Matas Buzelis, which the Bulls see as more than coincidental.
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However, team sources told Collier that the Bulls will not sacrifice any of their young core to execute such a deal unless the franchise is clearly closer to contention.
Despite the chatter, the Mavericks have shown no intention of shipping Davis out. Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban has publicly reiterated that the team does not plan to trade Davis, noting that the team wants to try to win (via Joe Vardon of The Athletic).
Davis remains under contract with Dallas through at least the 2027-28 season (via Spotrac). When healthy, he remains one of the most dominant big men in the league. This season, Davis is averaging 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, while shooting 52.9% from the field and can be of immense value to the Mavericks.
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The 10-time All-Star, who missed Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, is expected to return to the lineup when Dallas visits the Denver Nuggets on Monday, as he continues to manage his calf injury. Even with the trade rumors, the Mavericks appear committed to sticking with Davis, and are banking on his impact when healthy to anchor their frontcourt and help push the team back toward playoff contention.
Related: Anthony Davis Had Words for JJ Redick After Loss to Lakers
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.