NBA insider: ‘Matter of when not if’ Mavericks trade Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis’ future in Dallas may be less of a mystery than the Mavericks would like to let on.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said this week that he expects Davis to be traded, despite public signals from Dallas that an extension could still be in play.

“The Mavericks are telling people, ‘Oh, we still might extend him this summer,’” MacMahon said. “If you do that, that’s not gonna be good business for the Mavericks. I’m being told that and I don’t believe that.

“I’ll put it like that. I think it’s a matter of when and not if Anthony Davis is traded. I just don’t know when.”

Davis is eligible for a four-year, $275 million max extension in August. He’s making $54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next year, and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.

Multiple reports suggest that the Mavericks are open to exploring the trade market not only for Davis, but also Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell as they reassess the roster post–Luka Doncic deal.

MacMahon added that any Davis trade likely wouldn’t resemble a traditional superstar haul. “I don’t anticipate it’s gonna be like three first-round picks,” he said.

The injury history remains a factor. Davis has appeared in just 21 games with Dallas since the blockbuster trade and only 12 this season due to a left calf injury. When available, he’s averaging 20.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.