Anthony Davis' future home depends on extension

The Dallas Mavericks could trade anyone on their roster outside of Cooper Flagg or Kyrie Irving. Whether they trade Anthony Davis may come down to where he and his powerful agent think the big man can get a contract extension.

Rumors have been swirling about Davis' future in Dallas since the Mavericks fired GM Nico Harrison, the architect of the controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis. Since Davis is nearly 14 years older than the team's star rookie and has a massive contract, the Mavericks could be looking to their future. Davis and his agent Rich Paul are, too.

Anthony Davis may have trouble finding a landing spot

Any trade involving Davis has a number of complicating factors. The first is his contract, which is worth $54.1M this season and $58.4M in 2026-27, with a player option for $62.8M in 2027-28, when Davis will turn 35. At his best, Davis is a game-changing defensive player and outstanding rebounder, but he's missed half of the Mavericks' games this season and 24 of 33 games last year.

Davis could opt out of his deal after next season, which gives him a certain amount of leverage for a contract extension. It's probably unrealistic of him to get paid at the same superstar level, but he could opt out of his lucrative 2027-28 salary for an extension with more money overall, but less money per year.

That's what another All-Defensive big man did with the Minnesota Timberwolves just before the 2024-25 season. Rudy Gobert forewent his $46.6M player option for 2025-26 in exchange for a three-year, $110M extension that runs through 2028. He got more money overall, but gave the Wolves more salary flexibility.

The Atlanta Hawks would be a logical landing spot for Anthony Davis

One team that's reportedly interested in Davis is the Atlanta Hawks, who are reportedly working with their own high-priced star, Trae Young, on trades.