As the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline approaches, front offices across the league continue to evaluate opportunities shaped by health, leverage, and long-term direction. For the Dallas Mavericks, those conversations are unfolding against the backdrop of a 16–26 record and a season focused on navigating Cooper Flagg’s rookie year. At the center of Dallas’ most complex decision-making is Anthony Davis, whose injury status and contract outlook have combined to stall momentum on the trade front.

Davis has been limited to 29 regular-season games since being officially traded to Dallas on Feb. 2, 2025. Over that span, his production has declined to 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, numbers that still reflect impact but fall below his established standards.

Davis is playing out the remainder of a three-year, $186 million contract extension through the 2027-28 season. The deal carries a $62.7 million player option next season. He becomes eligible to sign a four-year deal worth up to $275 million in the upcoming offseason.

Injury Clouds Anthony Davis’ Market Value

After seeking multiple medical opinions, Davis elected not to undergo surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand. While the Mavericks have not specified the exact nature of the injury, the team publicly announced a timetable indicating Davis is expected to “heal” within six weeks.

If Davis remains in Dallas beyond the Feb. 5 deadline, the long-term path forward remains uncertain. His focus has centered on both recovery and the trade market, but sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that there has been no meaningful traction with teams previously linked to him, including the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks.

“The Mavericks’ leverage is materially worse after the hand injury,” one Western Conference executive said. “I don’t think [Davis] has much of a market.”

Contract Timing Further Complicates Anthony Davis Talks

Beyond health, contract dynamics have played a significant role in how Davis’ market has developed. League sources previously indicated to DallasHoopsJournal.com that Davis’ camp ultimately wants to land in a situation where there is greater clarity around a potential contract extension, which he will become eligible to sign in August.

At this stage, Dallas is not in a position to provide that level of assurance. That lack of clarity has made midseason negotiations more challenging. For interested teams, acquiring Davis now would require absorbing injury uncertainty while also navigating questions about his future beyond this season.

Several league sources shared with DallasHoopsJournal.com that the most realistic window for a Davis trade may come later, when he is viewed as an expiring contract rather than a midseason acquisition. From that perspective, teams would be evaluating Davis with reduced long-term risk and greater financial clarity, a dynamic that could materially change his market compared to the current deadline environment.

“Unless you’re a team doing business for next season, you really have to believe a player that expensive puts you over the top right now,” one Eastern Conference executive said. “Anthony Davis has been either out, dealing with an injury, or coming back from one almost constantly since being traded to Dallas. He needs to get healthy and get back to playing extended stretches of dominant basketball again.”

Dallas Mavericks Prioritize Complementary Pieces

While Davis’ situation remains fluid, rival teams continue to express interest in several of Dallas’ complementary players, most notably Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Internally, the Mavericks would prefer to keep Marshall, who is in the midst of a career year. He is averaging 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 54.3% from the floor, providing stability on both ends of the floor alongside Flagg.

“Naji Marshall is someone that settles the Mavericks down pretty much every time I’ve watched them play this season,” one Western Conference scout said. “He plays through contact so well — his finishing has been great. His floater has always stood out. He keeps getting better.”

“He’s in great shape right now, and he’s taken pride in tough defensive assignments,” the scout added. “He’s bringing value on both ends. He can help a contender, but that’s a player you want next to [Cooper] Flagg.”

Gafford continues to draw interest, but health has become a quiet variable in how teams evaluate him. He is averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 20.8 minutes per game, down from 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes last season.

“If Gafford is healthy, he can help a team. I don’t think he’s been healthy all season,” one Eastern Conference scout said. “That ankle has been a problem for months. It looks like he’s frequently playing through something. He doesn’t pop when you watch the Mavericks like he did last season.”

Other Names to Monitor Beyond Anthony Davis

League sources also indicated to DallasHoopsJournal.com that D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson are viewed as potential trade candidates.

Coming off a season-high 28-point performance, Thompson has found his rhythm after a slow start, averaging 13.3 points while shooting 41.3% from three-point range since Nov. 22. He has served as a steady veteran presence for Flagg, but his three-year, $50 million contract presents an obstacle in negotiations.

“Klay is going to make like $17.5 million next season,” one Eastern Conference executive said. “That’s going to give teams pause. I still think he can help a contender. It’s more about the money than impact.”

Russell, meanwhile, has fallen out of the rotation. He has not played 20 minutes in a game since Nov. 19 and has received a DNP-CD in eight of his last nine appearances. Multiple scouts noted that his disengagement has been noticeable.

“It’s obvious [Russell] needs a fresh start,” one Western Conference scout said.

Bigger Picture Still Unclear for the Dallas Mavericks

Looking beyond the deadline, sources indicated that Kyrie Irving is expected to be physically capable of returning after the All-Star break, as previously reported by DallasHoopsJournal.com. In a recent workout with assistant coach Phil Handy, Irving looked sharp and explosive, though the organization’s broader direction could ultimately influence how that return is handled.

For now, Davis remains the most complicated piece on the board. His health, extension outlook, and market perception have combined to reduce urgency on both sides, leaving Dallas with limited incentive to force a deal before Feb. 5.

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