This Anthony Davis Hawks trade is just what the Mavericks have to accept

The Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world before the season trades Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and acquisitions Anthony Davis as part of the deal. With the man who made the trade — Nick Harrison — no longer linked to the rumored Mavs Dallas potentially moving on from AD has been swirling. In fact, given his injury history and the team’s struggles, one could even argue that he is The Mavericks should trade Davis this season.

While a possible deal could involve three or four teams, there is one specific two-team trade that could make sense. The Atlanta Hawks have been mentioned as a potential suitor for Davis as interest is rumored and Atlanta may have enough to lure the Mavs without involving another team.

Before we get into the details of what a trade would look like, it’s worth noting that Tree Young is a great player. However, given the fact that Kyrie Irving Not expected to be moved and with guards like Ryan Nembhardt and Brandon Williams taking steps forward, there’s no reason for the Mavs to take Young. Dallas would embark on a rebuild – even if a short one – by moving from AD, and acquiring Young would only block playing time for the younger guards, while the fit alongside Irving could be questionable.

That said, there is only one trade the Mavericks should consider making with the Hawks.

Potential Mavericks-Hawks trade Anthony Davis

Hawks receive: C/F Anthony Davis

Mavericks get: F Zachary RisacherC/F Kristaps PorzingisG Whit Krejci, 2026 first round pick (better than New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks)

Anthony Davis will turn 33 in March and has been limited to 16 games this season due to injury concerns. Still, when healthy, AD is one of the best players in the NBA.

The The Hawks are rumored to be interested in moving on from former first-round pick Zachary Rizacher. They would only move him for a high pick – whether that involves multiple picks or a superstar. In this scenario, Atlanta would receive one of the best players in the NBA.

Of course, the business would have to make financial sense. A reunion with Kristaps Porzingis would provide the Mavs with a temporary replacement for Davis. They wouldn’t be tied down to the veteran for years to come, though, as Porzingis will enter free agency after the 2025-26 season.

Bringing in 25-year-old Vito Krejci helps the trade and gives the Mavericks additional depth at point guard.

Mavs fans may want more than one draft pick, but the 2026 first-round pick is the better option between the Pelicans and the Bucks. New Orleans is currently just 8-26 this season and in last place in the Western Conference.

This trade makes a lot of sense for the Mavericks. One has to wonder if the Hawks would consider this particular deal. They’re probably willing to move on from Porzingis, but a first-round pick is especially valuable. Meanwhile, Risacher was a former No. 1 overall pick for a reason.

The Hawks’ willingness to make this move will depend on how much they value Anthony Davis. If Atlanta believes Davis is the answer to helping them make a postseason run, they may go all out to acquire him. The Hawks are currently just 15-19 overall, but would be in the NBA Play-In Tournament if the season ended today.

For the Mavericks, this is the only two-team trade of Davis they should consider making with the Hawks.