The Dallas Mavericks are engaging in renewed discussions with multiple teams about trading Anthony Davis, according to ESPN, despite his recent hand injury sidelining him until at least March. Davis, who earns $54 million this season, has been the subject of rumors since November. Analysts suggest the Charlotte Hornets could be an ideal landing spot for the 33-year-old center.
Anthony Davis' trade situation with the Dallas Mavericks has evolved following his hand injury. Rumors intensified after the November firing of former general manager Nico Harrison, but the injury—requiring no surgery and a re-evaluation in six weeks—initially cooled interest from win-now contenders. ESPN reports that the Mavericks are now holding fresh conversations with several teams, aiming potentially for Davis to return in the postseason.
Davis is expected to miss significant time, possibly until mid-March, raising questions about his value ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Any acquiring team must match his $54 million salary, a challenge for playoff hopefuls wary of his conditioning post-injury. The Mavericks appear motivated to move him at a potentially reduced price, leveraging internal options like tanking for a high draft pick alongside Cooper Flagg.
One proposed fit is the Charlotte Hornets, who boast the NBA's No. 4 offense since December 1 and a superior net rating to teams like the Rockets and Knicks. Their young core of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller lacks size and defense, areas where Davis excels. The Hornets hold Dallas' top-two protected 2027 first-round pick and possess draft surplus, including extra selections from Phoenix, Miami, and others in upcoming years.
Financially, Charlotte sits $14.4 million under the luxury tax line, while Dallas is $16.9 million over, allowing for salary relief. A hypothetical trade could see the Mavericks receive players like Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Grant Williams, Pat Connaughton, and Mason Plumlee, plus the 2027 pick, in exchange for Davis, Klay Thompson, and D'Angelo Russell. This would position the Hornets for future contention, benching Davis this season to preserve their 2026 draft position.
Other suitors like the Warriors, Hawks, and Raptors face roster and standings risks from Davis' absence. No direct reports link Dallas and Charlotte, but the alignment suggests potential if the Hornets accelerate their rebuild.
