A potential trade for Anthony Davis to Atlanta would not involve Trae Young

As trade speculation continues to swirl around Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davisa new report suggests that any potential deal with Atlanta Hawks it would stop short of including the franchise’s cornerstone protector.

During an appearance on NBA on Prime, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported this Atlanta remains intrigued by the possibility of acquiring Anthony Davisbut not at the price Trae Young.

“Sources tell me the Atlanta Hawks remain very intrigued by the possibility of acquiring Anthony Davis via trade,” Haynes said. “Now the Hawks of all the suitors that are interested — the Hawks, they present a pretty attractive package of assets that could make things interesting. But if you look at where AD is in his career, he has this season and next season left, and after that he could become a free agent with a player option. So any team that tries to get him is going to have to really think about whether they could have given him an extension. Dallas Mavericks, I’m told that won’t include Trae Young.

Davis, 32, is in the first season of a three-year, $175.6 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season worth $62.7 million, with Davis making $54.1 million this season. His contract structure remains a central question for any interested team, as acquiring him would likely require a long-term commitment beyond his current deal.

Haynes added that Dallas’ priorities in any trade for Davis are would focus on flexibility and future assets.

“Dallas will likely want expiring contracts, young assets and picks, and will likely include last season’s No. 1 pick in Zachary Rizacher,” Haynes said. “So, with all that being said … the Hawks and Dallas are definitely something to keep an eye on looking ahead to the trade deadline.”

“If a deal could go through … I’m told it won’t involve Trae Young.”@ChrisBHaines hops on Nightcap to discuss the potential signing of Anthony Davis to the Hawks 👀 pic.twitter.com/2vhIAHK8cP

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) December 27, 2025

The Hawks are exploring a trade for Anthony Davis to the Mavericks without Trea Young being involved

Rizacher, the 20-year-old forward selected first overall in the 2024 NBA draft, has emerged as a potential center in speculative circles. He is averaging 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal per game while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from three-point range in 29 appearances, playing 24.4 minutes per game.

Novak is making $13.1 million this season as part of a four-year, $57 million deal that includes a team option for the 2027-28 season before becoming a restricted free agent. His age, production and team-controlled salary make him an attractive asset for a Mavericks team that gauges both current competitiveness and long-term planning.

For Atlanta, the appeal of Davis lies in adding an elite two-way presence to a roster built around Young, rather than completely reshaping the backcourt. The Hawks have struggled to gain consistency this season and continue to evaluate ways to raise their ceiling without sacrificing their franchise point guard.

Atlanta (15-17) will try to snap a five-game losing streak Saturday night when they host the New York Knicks (21-9) at 8:00 PM ET on NBA TV, closing out a five-game stretch after Friday’s 126–111 loss to the Miami Heat.

Meanwhile, Dallas (12-20) will continue their three-game road trip Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings (7-23) at 5:00 PM ET as they look to rebound from 126–116 Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors. As the deadline approaches, Davis’ contract, health and value remain at the center of one of the league’s most talked about trade discussions.