Michael Finley emphasizes ‘winning culture’ following Anthony Davies departure
“I’M HERE!” that’s it Anthony Davis he exclaimed to an applauding crowd at the American Airlines Center after a big performance during his debut for Dallas Mavericks last year.
It didn’t take long for him to be gone.
The AD era in Dallas was over before it started, like The Mavericks traded him to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, along with D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum in exchange for Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, Malachi Branham and five future draft picks.
Michael Finley, the Mavericks’ interim general manager, emphasized that they had to make a move before the trade deadline, as reported by Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints.
“We had to do something to bring back the winning culture here in Dallas. We thought the move we made puts us back in that conversation, gives the fans something to be excited about,” Finley said.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction by making the move that we did. It puts us in the mindset that we have a championship atmosphere here, and that’s what it’s all about. I think we’ve accomplished that.”
Opening remarks by Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi after the trade was officially announced pic.twitter.com/pHvpOzkvg4
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) February 6, 2026
Dallas already had a championship atmosphere when they returned to the NBA Finals in 2024, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks, however, shockingly traded Doncic, along with Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber, in a three-team deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz before last season’s deadline. Dallas received Davis, Max Christie and a future draft pick.
Davis only played 29 games for Dallas as injuries hampered him once again.
The All-Star power forward’s departure further signaled that the Mavericks are now Cooper Flagg’s team and that he will be tasked with carrying them into the AD—After Davis—era.
2026-02-06 01:31:00
