Why Mavericks Jonathan Cumminga trade interest means little amid Anthony Davis buzz

The The Dallas Mavericks have reported interest in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Cummings did little to improve the current environment of speculation Anthony Davisas league sources continue to indicate that a significant deal between the two teams remains unlikely.

Sam Amick of the Athletics reported Wednesday that while Dallas has explored Cummings as a potential trade target, financial and roster realities significantly limit any connection Davis, who remains one of the league’s most talked about trade names.

“While a league source said the Mavericks have interest in the Warriors’ Jonathan Cumminga, who cannot be traded until Jan. 15 but is expected to be dealt before the deadline, the fifth-year forward’s salary ($22.5 million) is well below Davis’ ($54.1 million) and would therefore require the inclusion of another large contract of $25 million — and $58 million. wrote. “However, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr said publicly last week, and team sources confirmed, such a move is simply not in their plans.

Amick added that while a hypothetical Jimmy Butler-for-Davis deal could work financially, Golden State has shown no appetite for such a move. Team sources also emphasized that the Mavericks initiated contact with the Warriors about Davis, not the other way around, further highlighting the lack of momentum.

ClutchPoints’ NBA insider echoed that sentiment during a recent episode of Clutch Scoops, characterizing the Warriors’ conversation with Davis as overhyped.

“There are those rumors that the Golden State Warriors are going to be in the mix for Anthony Davis,” the insider said. “Those rumors about the Warriors chasing him in the next few weeks are exaggerated. It doesn’t look like there’s anything going on.”

Latest NBA data from @TomerAzarli and @BrettSiegelNBA — Clutch Scoops 30.12.2025 https://t.co/LdKoHN0Ks2v

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 30, 2025

The insider noted that acquiring Davis’ $54.1 million salary would require Golden State to part ways with either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, a path the organization was unwilling to take. Instead, the Warriors’ focus remains on Kuminga, whose situation is increasingly independent of the Davis discussions.

Jonathan Cummings, Anthony Davis contracts complicate negotiations between Warriors and Mavericks

Kuminga, 22, has emerged as one of Golden State’s most valuable trade assets as he approaches a key contract phase. The fifth-year forward is averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field in 17 appearances this season. Kuminga is in the first year of a two-year-old, The $48.5 million contract extension he signed with the Warriors in September. He is making $22.5 million this season and has a $24.3 million team option for the 2026–27 campaign, a structure that has significant implications for Golden State’s roster and trade flexibility.

for dallas, Davis remains a central figure in any consideration of the blockbuster. The 32-year-old is in the first season of a three-year, $175.6 million deal and is averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 52.1 percent from the field in 16 appearances. He is currently sidelined with a right groin strain he sustained on Christmas Day.

As things stand, both teams appear to be focused on navigating through the regular season rather than forcing an early deal. The Mavericks (12-22) will open a two-game homestand Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers (16-14) at 8:30 PM ET as they look to snap a three-game sweep. The Warriors (17-16) will look to build on the momentum from their recent win when they face the Charlotte Hornets (11-21) on Wednesday at 1:00 PM ET on NBA TV.

With the trade deadline still a few weeks away, Cumming’s availability and Davis’ future will continue to garner attention. For now, though, league sources suggest the two situations remain far more parallel than connected.