The ridiculous $70 million Anthony Davis trade expectations are flying around

An environment of trade speculation Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis stepped up as league executives evaluate the escalating financial demands associated with any potential deal.

Multiple figures in the NBA trust Davis and Clutch Sports he would ask for a contract extension from whichever team acquires him, though he is currently in the first season of the three-year, $175 million extension he originally signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report from The Stein Line’s Jake Fisher.

With salary figures already locked in at $54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next season and a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, the projected first year of the new extension would exceed $70 million, creating a major hurdle for suitors.

“There is an expectation in some quarters, you see, that Davis and his representation at Clutch Sports will seek a contract extension with a new team if he does get a deal,” Fisher wrote on Marc Stein’s Substack. “Davis, remember, is in the first year of the three-year, $175 million extension he signed with the Lakers, which is set to pay $63 million in 2027-2028. The salary in the first year of the extension would therefore exceed $70 million.”

The ten-time All-Star’s situation is further complicated by constant concerns about his availability. From the February blockbuster that sent Luka Dončić to Los AngelesDavis appeared in just 14 games as a Maverick — just five this season because of a strained left leg that kept him out of 14 straight games.

Dallas was 2–3 with the 32-year-old before the injury and was 3–11 without him, contributing to a 5–14 record and slipping to 14th in the Western Conference. His absence comes on the heels of a six-week adductor strain last season, adding to what teams already see as a significant injury history.

On the floor, Davis averaged 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.9 blocks as a Maverick overall, including 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks and 1.2 blocks in his short 2020-2020 action. Some teams interested in exploring the trade reportedly believe the Kentucky product needs to lose weight to improve mobility and regain typical movement.