Pistons’ Mavericks trade proposal combines Anthony Davis, Cade Cunningham

The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade at the time it didn’t make sense to Dallas Mavericks decided to do it. The Mavericks traded one of the the best players in the NBAwho was only 25 years old at the time and less than a season away from leading Dallas to an NBA Finals appearance, for a minimal return. The team added the oft-injured Davis because they thought he was a better fit on the roster and had the necessary defensive mindset. Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick were the only other assets the Mavericks received.

It was considered one of the worst trade ever when it happened, and the test of time only proved it. Davis played just 14 games with the Mavericks, and the mastermind behind the shocking trade, Nico Harrison, he’s already been fired. Even when he’s on the court, Davis’ conditioning hasn’t been nearly as flawless as expected, especially with No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Now, reports are already suggesting the Mavericks may have no choice but to flip Davis. He has a disastrous contract, so it will be easier said than done. The Mavericks also don’t want to feel like the Doncic trade was a waste. The The Detroit Pistons are one team that could be interested in a Davis tradeas he reported Kendrick Perkins. So what could a trade between Davis and Detroit look like?

Pistons trade proposal for Anthony Davis

Clips get: Anthony Davis

The Mavericks get: Tobias Harris, Isaiah StewartBobby Klintman, 2026 first round pick, 2029 first round pick (top 20 protected)

The Pistons were the best team in the Eastern Conference this year. They are 15-2 and have won 13 consecutive games. The franchise has only had two hitting streaks, both during seasons in which Detroit finished the season as champions. With so many injuries in the East, the conference is wide open, so the Pistons may be willing to make a move for another championship.

It’s well known that trading Davis is risky, but he’s still one of the best players in the NBA when healthy, and his trade value is at an all-time low. Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart could be used in a deal to make the money work. Harris was a better fit with the Pistons than the Philadelphia 76ers, and Stewart is the team’s enforcer.

However, none of them are valuable enough to avoid being traded for Davis. What’s more, this deal only has one unprotected first-round pick being delivered, and another with top-20 protection that won’t carry over until 2029. That’s a pretty meager deal for someone as talented as Davis.

The former number one pick has 10 All-Star nods to his name. He is a fierce shot blocker and has unicorn-like skill on offense. He can score in the post, off the ball or from the perimeter. The Pistons have impressed this year, but they only had two seasons ago longest losing streak in NBA history. They will likely need another piece to truly contend for a championship.

Would the Mavericks really trade Anthony Davis?

It was obviously a mistake to trade for Davis. Besides the fact that losing Doncic is more than devastating, Davis’ body is simply failing him and he is locked into a $175 million contract through 2028. However, the Mavericks shouldn’t be so quick to cut their losses. Even though Davis’ experiment was a nightmare, and the general manager who made the decision to trade for him is gone, the Mavericks can’t give up on Davis so quickly for a number of reasons.

For starters, Kyrie Irving is currently sidelined. Dallas desperately needs his speed, shooting and ability to create on a roster filled with interior players. The Mavericks should pursue a trade involving Derek Lively or Daniel Gafford rather than Davis, as the latter brings so much to the table when healthy, while Lively and Gafford don’t offer much beyond rebounding, finishing and rim protection. Moving one of those bigs could help balance the roster, and in turn, the Mavericks could benefit in the win column.

Irving has had injury issues himself, and is currently out with a torn ACL. Relying on two aging and injured veterans isn’t a sustainable strategy, but the core of Irving, Davis and Flagg could be enough to make a run in the next year or two. The Mavericks also tend to be near the top of the 2026 NBA Draft, so throw in a few more rookies next season, and Dallas could be a surprisingly solid team.

More likely than not, this thing just won’t work with Davis and Dallas. With only 14 games in Dallas to his name, the Mavericks need to allow him to re-establish some value. This trade would do very little for the Mavericks’ short-term or long-term prospects. A move on from Davis is likely inevitable, and the termination of his contract is a plus in itself, but it’s still too early to jump on the bandwagon.