The Cavs have discussed trading Anthony Davis to the Mavericks

Until the NBA trade deadline is two days away on Thursday, February 5th Cleveland Cavaliers they intensified the search for a a franchise-changing move and are now associated with Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst revealed Tuesday morning on ESPN Cleveland that Cleveland has explored multiple high-profile options as it evaluates the long-term viability of its current roster. Among those discussions were talks with Dallas regarding Davis, signaling The Cavaliers’ willingness to engage in blockbuster negotiations before the deadline.

“The Cavs talked to the Bucks about Giannis, and the Cavs talked to the Mavericks about Anthony Davis. And the Cavs are obviously talking about James Harden, okay,” Windhorst said.

“And that’s why I started telling you a week ago that they’re trying for this big swing. There are trades that can do these things. … I don’t think it’s likely that they’re going to be able to make those other trades, but they obviously don’t believe this team is good enough or they suspect this team is not good enough and they’ve clearly decided they’re willing to make a decision to seriously think about scoring and think about the big game.”

“The Cavs talked to the Bucks about Giannis, and the Cavs talked to the Mavs about Anthony Davis. And the Cavs are obviously talking about James Harden.”

Cleveland’s Brian Windhorst is active during trade deadline week.

(via @ESPNCleveland)pic.twitter.com/iLsb9FzOVC

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 3, 2026

The Anthony Davis trade talks highlight the Cavs’ aggressive deadline strategy

Davis, 32, is in his first full season with the Mavericks but has been limited by injuries. He appeared in only 20 games and is currently sidelined with a ligament injury in his hand. When available, Davis averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 27.5% from three-point range in 30.4 minutes per game.

Cleveland’s interest in Davis is consistent with a broader pattern of aggressive scouting. Reports surfaced Monday night that the Cavaliers had entered into advanced talks with the Los Angeles Clippers regarding a potential a deal centered around veteran guard James Harden and All-Star guard Darius Garland.

“In the days leading up to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Clippers have been involved in talks for veteran guard James Harden — with the Cleveland Cavaliers leading the teams that have recently expressed interest in acquiring the former All-Star — sources told Yahoo Sports,” Ico wrote.

The Cavaliers have already taken tangible steps toward roster flexibility. during the weekend Cleveland sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade involving the Chicago Bulls. In return, the Cavaliers acquired Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroeder, a move designed in part to help them transition under another NBA apron.

Cleveland also explored additional trade routes. According to reports, the team held preliminaries talks with the Charlotte Hornets regarding a potential deal with Lonzo Ball it would reunite him with his brother, LaMelo Ball.