Insiders are skeptical of Anthony Davis’ extension despite being told otherwise

The Dallas Mavericks showing signs of stabilization in the past two weeks, but questions surrounding them Anthony Davis‘ the long-term future remains unresolved. Despite internal messages suggesting the franchise could extend its star player’s contract, one prominent NBA insider is cast doubt on that possibility.

Dallas went from a 5–15 start to 10–17, including a recent stretch of improved play with Davis in the lineup. Even so, ESPN’s Tim McMahon expressed skepticism about the idea of ​​the Mavericks committing to another long-term deal with the veteran big man.

“The Mavericks are telling people, ‘Oh, you know, we could still extend him this summer.’ If you do, it won’t be a good deal for the Mavericks. That’s what they tell me, and I don’t believe it. I’ll put it that way,” McMahon said on the latest episode of Howdy Partners.

MacMahon went further, suggesting that Dallas’ public stance might not be consistent with his eventual actions.

“I think it’s a question of when, not if, Anthony Davis will be traded. I just don’t know when — it will be before this deadline. And again, I just don’t project it to be like three picks in the first round. But we’ll see how that works out.”

Davis is in the first season of a three-year contract worth about $175 million. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season that would pay him more than $62 million if exercised. At 32, Davis remains one of the league’s most impactful two-way players when healthy, but his contract structure and age still trump Dallas’ plans.

NBA insider casts doubt on Anthony Davis’ future with Mavericks

On the court, Davis was productive. Through 11 appearances this season, he 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. He is playing 29.5 minutes per contest and has anchored the Dallas defense during his time on the floor.

The Mavericks are 6–5 in games Davis has played, including last Friday’s 119–111 win over the Brooklyn Nets. In that game, Davis recorded 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, shooting 10-for-21 from the field and 4-for-5 from the free throw line in 33 minutes.

Still, Davis’ name has remained prominent in trade speculation around the league, with recent reports linking him to teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. McMahon’s comments lend further weight to the idea that Dallas could eventually turn to an accumulation of assets rather than a long-term commitment.

For now, the Mavericks will continue to manage the regular season while balancing on-court progress with broader scheduling considerations. Dallas will host the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons (21-5) on Thursday night at 8:30 PM ET before opening a two-game road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers (14-11) on Saturday and the New Orleans Pelicans (5-22) next Monday.

Whether Davis remains the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ future or becomes the centerpiece of a major trade, he remains one of the league’s most watched stories as the season unfolds.