Following the Dallas Mavericks' firing of general manager Nico Harrison and a 3-9 start to the season, other NBA teams are monitoring the franchise for possible trades involving Anthony Davis. Sources indicate interest in Davis, though his high salary, injury history and extension eligibility complicate deals. The Mavericks acquired Davis in a blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Lakers nine months ago in exchange for Luka Doncic and other assets.
The Dallas Mavericks are in turmoil after a disappointing 3-9 start to the 2025-26 season, leading to the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison. Interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi are in place while a permanent replacement search continues. League sources told NBC Sports that other teams are circling, anticipating a potential trade of star center Anthony Davis, who is currently sidelined with a left calf strain sustained on September 29.
Davis, 32, is earning $54.1 million this season and becomes extension-eligible this offseason. One general manager noted to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, “AD is turning 33 in March and he’s going to be in position next summer where he’ll probably want a contract extension that would cost $70 million per year when he’d be 37.” His injury history, including missing significant time in prior seasons, has raised concerns among potential suitors. The Mavericks are hard-capped at the second apron, just $1.3 million below, making trades challenging.
Reports suggest Dallas should consider trading Davis—and possibly Kyrie Irving, out until 2026 with an ACL tear—to tank for their 2026 first-round pick and pair it with rookie Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 selection from the 2025 draft. ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported, “The belief... is that the Mavs moving on from at least Davis, if not both stars, was the optimal strategy.”
Potential destinations include the Chicago Bulls, where Davis could return to his native area in a swap involving Nikola Vucevic, Coby White and picks. The Golden State Warriors face cap hurdles but could explore deals with Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green. Other teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers showed early interest when the Lakers gauged Davis' value in December 2024, before the February trade that sent him to Dallas for Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
However, no team will commit until Davis returns healthy and performs. Sources emphasize his limited market as a No. 2 or 3 option on contenders, and Dallas may wait until the offseason for better value rather than the February 6 deadline.