What Anthony Davis really wants as trade rumors swirl
About the NBA rumors are spinning fast again, with Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks locked in the middle of a fresh trade conversation. The noise is familiar, but the stakes are not. The trade frenzy is picking up before the deadline, and the league is watching how the Mavericks handle one of the biggest names in sports.
With just five weeks until the February 5 deadline, the conversations are getting tougher. On ESPN’s NBA Today, Tim MacMahon laid out the underlying reality. “(Davis’) preference would be to stay in Dallas and get that extension this summer,” McMahon said. He added that “The Mavericks are trying to create a good trade market for Anthony Davis. It’s tough because of the durability issues, and I think more because of the dollar… They’re going to want to trade AD somewhere that’s willing to give him a long, lucrative extension.” It’s a push and pull. Fit vs Finance. Talent versus time.
Anthony Davis arrived from the Los Angeles Lakers last season in a blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić. Expectations immediately rose. When healthy, he’s produced real production for the Mavericks: 20.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks in 18 games on 52.2 percent shooting. The impact is obvious. Availability remains an issue that follows him in every discussion.
Hawks noise, Warriors hesitation and what the Mavericks want next
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that it was the hottest the ongoing conversation connects Anthony Davis, Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. The Mavericks emerged as a theoretical trade partner, though Siegel noted that directly pursuing Young “wouldn’t make sense” for the Mavericks given other organizational priorities, including an eye on the 2026 NBA draft.
The Golden State Warriors have also been mentioned in speculation. Marc Stein reported it The Warriors have assessed the possibility, but do not see a realistic path to a deal with the Mavericks and are hesitant because of Davis’ contract structure and injury history.
So what does Anthony Davis want amid trade rumors? Dallas. Stability. Extra time and a real goal for the big win. Now the spotlight is shifting to the front office. Are the Mavericks doubling down on belief—or reshaping their core before February arrives?
2026-01-06 16:17:00
