Mavericks looking to acquire Pelicans’ 2026 pick via Hawks

The interest in Anthony Davis continues to ripple outward, and it may extend beyond just players.

According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Mavericks have been trying to pry the Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick away from the Hawks, an asset Atlanta controls from a prior deal.

“I can tell you with certainty that the Mavericks have been trying to pry away that New Orleans Pelicans pick away from the Hawks for some time now,” Mannix said. “That has been on the mind of the Mavericks’ front office for some time now.”

That backdrop matters because Dallas and Atlanta have had discussions involving Anthony Davis, even if nothing has gained real traction. League sources say that the Mavericks’ priority in any Davis-related scenario is acquiring at least one impactful young piece, with Hawks wing Zaccharie Risacher viewed internally as a player of interest.

Whether Atlanta would include Risacher in a deal remains unclear. Sources continue to describe the Hawks as cautious, even as they remain loosely connected to Davis conversations.

Financially, Davis remains a major commitment. He is eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August, is earning $54.1 million this season, and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28. Sources told Dallas Hoops Journal that Davis plans to pursue an extension this offseason if he stays in Dallas, and would do the same with any acquiring team.

Atlanta, meanwhile, is also said to be open to listening on Trae Young, though Dallas has shown no interest in taking him back in a Davis framework.

With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, the Mavericks appear to be exploring every possible angle, including draft capital, as they weigh whether a Davis move makes sense at all.