NBA Notes: Mavericks, Anthony Davis, Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Sixers

Mavericks

After days of conflicting signals, the Mavericks have reopened trade talks involving Anthony Davis, per Shams Charania of ESPN. NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line echoed that reporting, adding that Dallas remains unwilling to move Davis unless a deal clearly improves its long-term outlook.

That could mean waiting until the offseason, similar to how Phoenix handled Kevin Durant.

Both Charania and Stein note that draft positioning is looming large for Dallas. This is the final year the franchise controls its own first-round pick until 2031, a reality that could influence how aggressively the team pushes Davis back onto the floor.

While the injury involves his non-shooting hand and optimism remains about a return, Dallas may not rush him if it undercuts lottery odds.

“For all intents and purposes, meaningful basketball in Dallas for Davis this season is over,” Charania said.

Celtics

Celtics star Jaylen Brown is expected back Thursday against Miami after missing two games with back spasms. Brown recently drew a $35,000 fine for criticizing officiating, comments he stood by.

Boston ranks last in the NBA in free throw attempts, a point Brown emphasized while arguing the team doesn’t get a consistent whistle. Coach Joe Mazzulla agreed in principle but stressed focusing on controllables.

76ers

As relayed by Tony Jones of The Athletic, Joel Embiid says he feels healthier than he has in two years.

While not as explosive, Embiid believes his consistency has returned, something teammates like Tyrese Maxey say matters more than anything right now.

“What we love is that he looks happy,” Maxey said. “We want him to be happy, more than anything. And he looks healthy. I think the thing that I’m most proud of is that he’s staying on top of his treatment. He’s staying on top of getting ice and seeing the training staff. Just seeing him healthy, that is the stuff that really matters.”