Atlanta is ‘very intrigued’ by the possibility of trading Anthony Davis

The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly “very intrigued” by the possibility of acquiring the 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis from Dallas Mavericksaccording to NBA insider Chris Haynes. While talks remain in the preliminary stages, a potential trade could radically alter Atlanta’s roster and playoff prospects.

“Sources tell me the Atlanta Hawks remain very intrigued by the possibility of acquiring Anthony Davis via trade,” Haynes he said during the broadcast of ‘NBA on Prime’.

Haynes indicated that any deal for Davis would not include Trae Young, who has a $48.97 million player option for the 2025-26 season and could enter free agency if he declines. Instead, the Hawks’ bid will likely focus on expiring contracts, draft assets and young players, with Dallas reportedly eyeing last season’s No. 1 overall pick Zachary Rizacher as a potential center.

Veteran big man Kristaps Porzingis, who has an expiring contract of $30.7 million, would almost certainly be included in the salary adjustment. Shooting guard Luke Kennard, with an expiring $11 million contract, could also be part of the package.

Davis, 32, is under contract for $54.1 million this season and $58.5 million next season, with a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-2028 season. Any team that acquires him will likely have to pursue a long-term extension, a significant risk given his injury history. Currently dealing with a mild right groin strain, Davis has appeared in just 16 games this season. Aside from his 76-game campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023-24, he hasn’t played more than 62 games in any season since 2018-19.

From a performance standpoint, Davis brings elite two-way production, averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game in less than 30 minutes for Dallas this season. For Atlanta, which sits at 15-18 and 10th in the Eastern Conference, Davis could dramatically improve a defense that has allowed at least 126 points in each of its last eight losses and is currently 21st in field goal percentage at 47.7%.

The Hawks’ current roster includes promising talents like Dyson Daniels, a finalist for MVP last season, and Jaylen Johnson, who is having a breakout season. While Daniels is considered untouchable due to a four-year, $100 million extension, Atlanta could still use other young assets and raise capital to make the deal work.

If completed, a trade for Davis would be a win-win move, providing the Hawks with a top frontcourt presence alongside Porzingis and strengthening their defensive identity. The Mavericks, on the other hand, would gain flexibility through youth, expiring contracts and draft picks, helping efforts to retool the roster. Both teams are likely to closely monitor the discussions as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches.