Anthony Davis’ wrist injury creates even more chaos ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. He and his camp desire a maximum contract extension, but it does not look like the Dallas Mavericks are willing to offer it. As a result, the team might move Davis before the deadline, but ownership will not rush to find a deal.
Patrick Dumont’s Stance on Anthony Davis Trade Rumors Revealed
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Dallas resumed trade talks with teams regarding Davis, even after his injury. Now, ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote on the trade situation, which includes details from Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont’s perspective.
“Patrick is not going to sign off on a deal just to do a deal … Ownership doesn’t feel any pressure to do an AD deal,” a source told ESPN.
If a team acquires Davis, the star forward would not play until the playoffs while his wrist recovers. However, over the last two seasons, the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards made trades for two injured stars- Brandon Ingram and Trae Young, respectively. Both franchises understood their new arrivals were unlikely to make an immediate impact and would, instead, contribute in the following campaigns.
The Mavericks sit 19-27 on the season and outside the postseason picture. If they rebuild around Cooper Flagg, it makes little sense for them to hold Davis or give him the maximum extension he seeks. In fact, if Dallas keeps its current roster for next season, it would go over the second apron, limiting its roster and financial flexibility. At the same time, Dumont does not want to give Davis away for minimum value.
Davis remains under contract for two more seasons, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 campaign. Dallas owes the 32-year-old $54.1 million and $58.5 million over the next two years. The player option bumps even higher to $62.8 million. While the Mavericks want to move Davis, his contract, age, injury history, and extension talks are hard to ignore.
Davis turns 35 years old when his next contract begins. His repetitive lower-body injuries, particularly when it comes to soft-tissue ailments such as groin or calf strains, could catch up to him. His production over three or more years likely does not warrant a maximum contract extension, which could push potential interested teams away.
Davis averages 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks on the campaign. He only played 20 games this season due to a groin strain and a calf strain on top of his recent left-hand injury. In fact, the 10-time All-Star has only suited up in a Mavericks uniform 29 times since they traded for him last season.
Davis’ Dallas tenure started with controversy surrounding the Luka Dončić trade, and it might end quickly if the team finds an adequate return.
