Zach Lowe describes the “soft tank” strategy for avoiding the Anthony Davis trade

As it is Dallas Mavericks Continue to lead an uneven season, a prominent NBA analyst has warned against forcing a big roster move that includes Anthony Davis. Monitoring Dallas lost 126–116 to the Golden State Warriors on Christmas DayZach Lowe outlined what he described as a “soft tank” approach that would keep the Mavericks intact rather than engage in a disadvantageous trade.

On the latest episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Lowe explained why he believes in the Mavericks should resist the temptationn to move Davis despite continued speculation surrounding the star forward.

“I just don’t think there’s a really good AD trade. They’re seven and five in the last 12 games. Something fun is happening with Cooper and Anthony Davis together. No matter what they do, I don’t think they can lose any of the next few teams. I don’t think they can lose Utah because of the pick that Utah owes, because I think Sacra could lose. I don’t think they can lose the Wizards, who are at the top position in the Spurs’ tanks for Tim Duncan, and I actually, despite the fact that they are playing very hard and some of the young guys are starting to loosen up, I don’t think they can lose No.

Lowe expanded on the idea by emphasizing patience rather than urgency at the trade deadline.

“So if I’m stuck in that netherworld, I’m not making a trade with Anthony Davis who’s a piece of shit just to make it. Especially now that he’s hurt, I’m getting out. I’m going to kind of soften in my own way and hope the lottery keepers are as nice to me as they were last year. And maybe next year, and K, I’m not coming back like this. Cooper Flag.”

The soft-tank approach offers the Mavericks an alternative to a rush trade for Anthony Davis

The The Mavericks sit at 12–20 and are struggling to gain traction despite flashes of competitiveness. Lowe argued that Dallas is unlikely to surpass teams such as the Wizards, Jazz, Kings, Pacers or Nets, making a complete demolition both impractical and unnecessary. Instead, he suggested the organization let the season play out, accept short-term losses and preserve long-term flexibility.

Davis’ situation further complicates the calculation. The veteran big man is currently sidelined with a right groin injury suffered on Christmas Day, and Lowe noted that moving an injured star often limits return value. Without a clear trade that significantly improves the Mavericks’ prospects, Lowe believes keeping Davis is the more prudent option.

Dallas benefited from lottery fortunes last season, landing the No. 1 overall pick, and Lowe hinted that a similar outcome — though far from guaranteed — could once again reshape the franchise’s trajectory. Instead of aggressively chasing marginal improvements or sacrificing value in a trade, Lowe’s proposed “soft tank” would prioritize development, health and optionality.

Under this approach, the Mavericks would continue to compete every night without intentionally hitting rock bottom, allow Davis to recover and return, and reevaluate the roster in the offseason. Dallas will look to bounce back on Saturday night when they face the Sacramento Kings at 5:00 PM ET as part of a three-game road trip.

For Dallas, the message was clear: There’s little incentive to rush into a trade for Anthony Davis that doesn’t meet franchise standards. As the season progresses, the Mavericks’ ability to balance competitiveness and patience could determine whether Lowe’s proposed path proves to be the right one.