With the Mavericks at 14-23, many argue it’s time to trade veteran Anthony Davis and rebuild around Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, as Dallas should prioritize the future over short-term contention.
Warriors Facing a Major Issue In Pursuit of Anthony Davis
The Golden State Warriors, just 19-18, are pursuing Davis for one final push with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and last year’s midseason addition, Jimmy Butler. Acquiring Davis could reinstate their contender status, but a significant obstacle remains in striking a deal with Dallas.
The Athletic’s Christian Clark and Sam Amick report the Warriors remain interested in Davis and haven’t closed the door on a deal with the Mavericks, but would likely have to include Green or Butler to make a deal.
The door is not closed on the Warriors trading for Anthony Davis, per @TheAthletic
A trade would likely have to include Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, but the Warriors have been against moving them at this point.
“The Golden State Warriors (19-18; eighth in the West) have… pic.twitter.com/hETiYxcn5V
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 7, 2026
“The Golden State Warriors (19-18; eighth in the West) have also discussed a Davis deal with the Mavericks, with team sources indicating that the door was not completely closed,” report Clark and Amick. “Yet with the Warriors known to be staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green ($25.8 million this season) or Jimmy Butler ($54.1 million), there is no realistic pathway to finding a deal that works financially.”
For the Mavericks, moving Davis makes sense from a strategic standpoint, but they are not yet determined to do so.
“The Mavericks are expected to continue to listen to offers on Davis in the coming weeks, but according to team sources, their front office doesn’t feel like it must deal Davis before the deadline,” report Amick and Clark.
Kyrie Irving adds a critical wrinkle to Dallas’s decision-making. The nine-time All-Star is rehabbing a torn ACL. If he returns at full strength, he could fundamentally reshape the Mavericks’ future.
If Irving is motivated to mentor Flagg, it could aid the rookie’s development. Alternatively, Irving may wish to use his return to demonstrate his value and secure his future, either in Dallas or elsewhere. “The team is interested in seeing Davis and Flagg play alongside Kyrie Irving and hasn’t closed the door on the idea of Davis remaining in Dallas long-term.”
Before the season, the Mavericks pitched an enticing trio of Davis, Irving, and Flaggs. Now, with Irving’s return in limbo and Davis struggling with injuries, the team’s direction is murky. Although Davis is still putting up All-Star-level numbers, averaging 20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field, Davis has played in just 19 games. Despite Davis’s All-Star output, his age (he will be 33 in March) and inconsistent availability suggest trading him may be the only logical move.
Davis may also seek another extension in the near future. He is owed $58,456,566 next season and has a player option worth $62,786,682 for the 2027-28 season. The Atlanta Hawks are another team reportedly interested in Davis.
As the February 5 deadline approaches, the Mavericks will be closely watched. Whether Davis is traded for the second consecutive year remains the crucial storyline to follow.
