The Dallas Mavericks are considering trading Anthony Davis, but experts warn the return may disappoint due to his hefty contract and the NBA's restrictive trade landscape. Davis, turning 33 in March, was acquired in the Luka Dončić trade less than 10 months ago. Few teams are lining up for the future Hall of Famer amid salary cap hurdles.
Anthony Davis ranks No. 2 on the Fanspo NBA trade machine's list of trending players, but crafting realistic deals for him proves frustrating. The Mavericks, not aligned with Davis' timeline, could benefit from sending him to a win-now team for younger players and draft picks. However, every expert agrees the return will be underwhelming, regardless of his role as the centerpiece in the Luka Dončić trade less than 10 months ago or his Second Team All-NBA selection 17 months prior.
ESPN's Tim Bontemps noted on the Hoop Collective, "There's not a lot of teams that are lining up" to acquire Davis. The Ringer's Zach Lowe added that the gap between what the Mavericks gave up and what they'll receive "will set the world record for the biggest delta in trade returns for one single player in the history of professional sports."
The core issue is Davis' contract: $54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next, and a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28 when he turns 35. He's eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension next August, potentially reaching $76 million in 2030-31 at age 38. Trading teams must match at least $43.1 million in 2025-26 salaries without exceeding the first apron, while believing they're a "Brow away" from contention post-trade.
Additional concerns include Davis arriving overweight at training camp and straining his calf early in the season. Potential suitors must also navigate future negotiations with a mid-30s Hall of Famer. Even if Davis performs at an All-NBA level upon returning against Los Angeles on Friday, offers may lack multiple first-round picks or appealing young talent.
This mirrors broader NBA trends under the latest CBA. The Miami Heat received Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Kyle Anderson, and a 2025 first-round pick (No. 20, Kasparas Jakučionis) for Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, and two seconds. The Phoenix Suns got a fraction back for Kevin Durant, while the New Orleans Pelicans' Brandon Ingram trade felt like a salary dump despite a protected first. The Charlotte Hornets hold LaMelo Ball due to expected poor offers, similar to Davis, and the Sacramento Kings anticipate little for Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, or DeMar DeRozan, who earns under $38 million. Trade season starts unofficially Dec. 15, but big names like Davis attract attention without many suitors. Ideal targets are younger, cheaper players like the Kings' Keon Ellis ($2.3 million), drawing calls from over half the league.