Anthony Davis practiced with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday after missing nearly a month due to a calf strain. The All-Star forward dismissed trade speculation, focusing instead on his potential return against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. His comments came shortly after the Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison, who orchestrated Davis' trade to Dallas.
Anthony Davis has been sidelined since October 29 with a calf strain, during which the Dallas Mavericks compiled a 3-11 record. The team went 2-3 in the five games Davis played earlier this season. Now 32 years old, Davis expressed surprise at Harrison's dismissal, saying, "It was surprising more than anything. Nico's my guy, obviously he played a huge part in getting me here and wanting me to fulfill his vision in a sense. It was definitely tough."
Harrison, who traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Davis, faced fan backlash with chants of "Fire Nico" at home games. With Harrison out, reports indicate the Mavericks will explore trading Davis before the February 5 deadline. His contract includes $121.2 million over the next two years, with a $62.7 million player option in 2027. Rookie Cooper Flagg, selected No. 1 overall last June, is viewed as the franchise's future.
Davis downplayed the rumors, stating, "Man look, ya'll make it like we're going to war or something. This is basketball, it comes with it. ... That doesn't affect me. I've been in trade talks for awhile. My job is to do what I do when I'm on the floor, play basketball and try to lead this team."
He hopes to return Friday against the Lakers or Saturday versus the Clippers, preferring the former matchup against his former team. "You know what game I want to play," Davis said. "But we'll see, we'll have a conversation and see what makes the most sense with the medical and coaching staff."
Lineup changes include ending Cooper Flagg's stint at point guard and moving Klay Thompson to the bench. The frontcourt remains challenged with Dereck Lively II sidelined long-term, but Daniel Gafford can pair with Davis at power forward.