The Mavericks’ Anthony Davis trade plan should be painfully obvious
The Dallas Mavericks fell to 12-22 overall for the 2025-26 season after losing 125-122 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Dallas is ranked 12th in the Western Conference. Even though they are just a few games out of the playoff spots, the chances of this Mavs team seriously competing for a championship anytime soon are extremely slim. With Anthony Davis is struggling with injury againit became painfully obvious that a fresh start was necessary.
Anthony Davis Nico Harrison-Luka Dončić trade is a disaster. That’s just a fact. Now, Harrison is no longer affiliated with the Mavs and it’s clear that the Davis fit just isn’t working. Cooper Flagg is a star of the future, and there’s no reason to try to open a championship window right now with an AD guy who can’t stay healthy.
But, we’re talking about the Dallas Mavericks, so nothing is as simple and straightforward as it should be. According to a recent report by NBA insider Mark Stein, owner of the Mavs Patrick Dumont would like to see trio Flagg, Davis and Kyrie Irving play together.
In theory, it sounds great. However, in reality, it is impossible to expect consistent playing time for the three stars together on the floor at this point. Irving is currently recovering from ACL surgery, while Davis continues to deal with injury after injury. Flagg has been able to stay on the floor, but relying on two veterans in their mid-30s with injury histories next to him shouldn’t be the goal.
Keeping Kyrie could make sense, as he is a veteran player who could help Flagg grow over the next few years. Trading Davis would allow the Mavericks to begin a rebuild while keeping Irving on the roster as a leader as well as a star when he’s on the floor.
Will the Mavericks end up trading Anthony Davis? All signs point to the fact that they should — but it’s always hard to know exactly what the Mavs are thinking.
2025-12-30 18:50:00
