An insider throws cold water on the Hawks’ trade pursuit of Anthony Davis

Speculations that connect Atlanta Hawks potential trade for Dallas Mavericks star forward Anthony Davis appears to be losing momentum, as league insiders have expressed skepticism about Atlanta’s ability to muster a competitive offer.

Jake Fisher of The Stein Line reported Tuesday that while the Hawks have been mentioned among the teams pursuing Davis, there little optimism that the discussions could progress in a meaningful way.

“The teams so far, according to league sources, are Toronto and Atlanta. Other than the well-known fact that the Hawks have no intention of making available a 2026 first-round pick coming from New Orleans, I don’t hear much optimism at this point that Atlanta can come close to a package that could only tempt Dallas. high-salary player by parting with Tree Young or Kristaps Porzingis.”

Aside from the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Porzingis’ battle with illness, I don’t see Young as a target for the Mavericks. Not when they stick with Kyrie Irving. Sources say Dallas, further, is not at all interested in just terminating Davis’ contract, which is essentially the same deal as Antetokounmpo’s contract in Milwaukee. The Mavericks have maintained to this day that they would only be willing to part with the centerpiece of their infamous Doncic deal last February if the trade backfired.

Davis, who was acquired by Dallas last season the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakersremains a central figure in the Mavericks’ long-term plans. He is in the first season of a three-year, $175.6 million deal that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season worth $62.7 million and is making $54.1 million this season. Through 11 games, Davis is averaging 20 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range in 29.5 minutes per game.

The availability of Kristaps Porzingis limits the Hawks’ path to an Anthony Davis trade

Any realistic one The Hawks’ offer would likely have to include Kristaps Porzingiswhose contract structure aligns with Dallas’ payroll. However, its availability remains uncertain. The 30-year-old is averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks per game in 13 appearances while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three. Porzingis is in the final season of a two-year, $60 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Marc Stein recently stepped up Fisher’s coverage, noting Atlanta’s limitations in trade flexibility.

“Any significant trade deal Atlanta makes during the offseason is expected to involve Kristaps Porzingis’ expiring $30.7 million contract, but the Hawks announced Sunday that the Latvian big man will be sidelined for at least two more weeks as he continues to be plagued by an illness after similar adversity last season in previous games in Boston before the Hawks missed a seven-day stretch. The announcement,” Stein wrote.

Stein echoed that as well Atlanta continues to protect its core assets.

“The point here, mind you, is that (Jalen) Johnson is still as untouchable from the Hawks’ perspective as the unprotected first-round pick New Orleans committed to sending them in June thanks to the Derrick Quinn trade,” Stein said.

For now, both teams will continue with their regular season schedules. The Hawks (15–12) host the Charlotte Hornets (8–18) on Thursday night at 7:00 PM ET, while the Mavericks (10–17) face the Detroit Pistons (21–5) at 8:30 PM ET. As things stand, the Davis-to-Atlanta blockbuster seems far more speculative than realistic.