Anthony Davis is one of the big stars who could be up for grabs before the trade deadline. The Dallas Mavericks previously expressed their intention of trading Davis this season if things don’t work out between him and the team.
The Mavericks have been struggling to climb the Western Conference standings, with Davis leading the charge. Dallas is currently in 11th place with a 14-23 record. Having that in mind, it’s clear that things are turning out the way the Mavs expected their partnership with Davis to be.
The Toronto Raptors have emerged as a potential trade destination for Davis. However, a Raptors insider explains why it’s not likely to happen.
Anthony Davis is Unlikely to Play for the Raptors
Raptors insider Josh Lewenberg broke down his reasons why he believes that Toronto is unlikely to trade for Davis before the deadline. While AD’s presence would undoubtedly help bolster the team’s defensive presence, he’s too expensive to acquire.
Davis is currently signed to a three-year contract worth $175,369,698. He’s playing in the first year of his contract, which means the Raptors will need to send back a few valuable assets in order to get AD.
If Toronto were to pursue a trade for Davis, they could be looking at Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes as part of their trade package, which is something they wouldn’t want to do.
Ingram and Barnes have proven to be solid leaders for the Raptors this season. Toronto is currently sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-15 record. Some believe that they could contend for a title this season if they could find a solid defensive big man to support Ingram and Barnes.
While getting Davis would be ideal, letting go of Ingram and Barnes might ruin the team’s core dynamic, letting go of all the momentum they’ve built this season.
“I can confirm that the Raptors have expressed exploratory interest in Davis,” Lewenberg reported. “But finding a workable deal between them and Dallas is complicated. Just to match Davis’ salary, the Raptors would have to give up two of their starters. Barnes and Ingram, they’re not going anywhere.”
Anthony Davis to the Raptors? Could happen. Probably won’t. Here’s why: pic.twitter.com/vkc150MlyP
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) January 9, 2026
For now, the Mavericks will be actively exploring other options for Davis. The team’s front office previously expressed its desire to rebuild around the rookie Cooper Flagg. Trading Davis for several key assets would be a step in the right direction.
