As the NBA trade deadline nears, Anthony Davis's agent Rich Paul is urging the Dallas Mavericks to trade the star forward before February 5 to improve his contract extension prospects. Meanwhile, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant dismissed trade speculation with a curt response during a press conference in Berlin. Both situations highlight the league's escalating rumor mill.
The NBA trade deadline on February 5 has intensified discussions around key players, with Anthony Davis at the center of one of the biggest storylines. Davis sustained a hand injury during the Mavericks' loss to the Utah Jazz last week, appearing in a sling for their subsequent game against the Chicago Bulls. Initially reported as ligament damage requiring surgery, a second opinion ruled that out, and Dallas announced he is expected to heal in six weeks without specifying the exact injury. This timeline means Davis will miss at least a month and a half, potentially impacting his trade value.
Despite the injury, the Mavericks are engaged in active trade talks for the All-NBA forward, according to reports from Marc Stein, though they insist on not accepting lowball offers before the deadline. Davis's agent, Rich Paul, is pushing Dallas to move him sooner, believing a change of teams would bolster Davis's chances for a lucrative extension next summer. If no suitable deal emerges, Davis could remain with the Mavericks through the offseason, possibly returning later this season to regain value.
In Berlin for the NBA's Global Games series, Ja Morant faced questions about trade rumors ahead of the Grizzlies' matchup against the Orlando Magic on January 15. The 26-year-old, who has missed the team's last five games due to a right calf contusion, responded succinctly: "Live with it." When pressed on whether he expects to stay with Memphis past the deadline, Morant replied, "I'm the only one you asked that question to?" before shutting down the line of inquiry with "Next question."
The Grizzlies, sitting at 17-22, are reportedly entertaining offers for Morant for the first time, amid a strained relationship following his off-court issues and injuries. Morant is in a down season, shooting 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from three in just 18 of 39 games. Interest has surfaced from teams like the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings, though his $87 million over two years remaining and durability concerns complicate potential deals. Morant downplayed any rift with first-year coach Tuomas Iisalo, saying, "He cool." He was ruled out for the Berlin game but could return for the January 18 rematch in London.
