When the Dallas Mavericks sent superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for future Hall of Famer Anthony Davis, general manager Nico Harrison promised fans a new era of defensive-minded basketball. The move was supposed to build a contender. Instead, it has led to a complete teardown and a focus on the future.
Why Did the Mavericks’ Blockbuster Trade Backfire?
The shift to a defense-first approach never clicked. After the trade, the Mavericks struggled down the stretch during the 2024-25 season, ultimately losing in the play-in tournament and missing the playoffs entirely. This season has started even worse, with the team stumbling to a 4-11 record. The disappointing results led to Harrison’s firing.
Now, with the team’s original plan in shambles, governor Patrick Dumont and former owner Mark Cuban are pivoting. According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, they are ready to build around an unexpected gift.
“In the aftermath, Dumont and his new basketball cabinet, which once again includes former majority owner Mark Cuban, are plotting to pivot to the future with 18-year-old Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick delivered to Dallas by unprecedented lottery luck, gifting the new ownership group a second chance to build a sustainable contender around a generational talent,” reports McMahon.
Could Anthony Davis Be the First Veteran Traded?
Building around the 18-year-old Flagg means the team’s expensive veterans could be on the move, and speculation is growing that the Mavericks will look to trade players like Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. In fact, exploring a trade for Davis seems to be a priority.
“Multiple team sources said the Mavs, who are 4-11 and outside the playoff picture in the West, will also explore the trade market for Davis, the 10-time All-Star big man who was the headliner in the return of the Luka Doncic deal, as part of that process before this season’s deadline,” writes McMahon.
Of the Mavericks’ current veterans, Davis would easily be the top trade asset. Irving is still recovering from a torn ACL and is nowhere near his season debut, while Thompson has struggled badly since joining the Mavericks in the summer of 2024 after leaving the Golden State Warriors. Thompson is averaging just 9.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His shooting has been particularly poor, hitting only 33.8% of his field goals and 31.1% of his three-point attempts.
MORE: Mavericks Star Anthony Davis Explains How He Became a Packers Fan
Despite his own injury issues, Davis has remained a productive player when on the court. He has been limited to just five games this season with a calf strain, but has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an efficient 52.0%.
The biggest hurdle in any trade discussion will be his health. Davis, who turns 33 in March, has appeared in only 14 total games since Dallas acquired him. While he remains a top difference-maker when healthy, interested teams will likely want to see him stay on the court for a consistent stretch before making a significant offer.
