Top five potential Anthony Davis trade destinations

Speculation keeps swirling around Dallas, and it isn’t slowing down.

With the Mavericks buried at 3-10 and Anthony Davis still on the shelf, rival teams are preparing for what The Ringer’s Zach Lowe called “Anthony Davis trade talks of some seriousness.”

Lowe added he would “bet on yes” when asked whether a deal ultimately happens.

That’s where the Mavs are now. They’re less than a year removed from the Luka Doncic blockbuster and already staring down an exit strategy for the 32-year-old Davis, who’s in the first season of a three-year, $175 million extension.

He’s making $54 million this season, he’s appeared in only five games, and his value is sliding toward the blinking-red-light stage.

Dallas is deep into the tax and sitting above the first apron, which complicates everything. But the franchise still controls its own 2026 first-rounder in what many evaluators view as a loaded draft.

Trading Davis would give Cooper Flagg his natural forward spot back, create financial breathing room, and potentially put the Mavericks in position to land Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer to pair with Flagg.

This isn’t a franchise that can tank forever — Dallas doesn’t control a single first-round pick from 2027 through 2030 — but one big move could change their entire trajectory.

Here’s how The Sporting News broke down the top potential trade destinations for Davis. I tend to agree, for what it’s worth:

5. Sixers

Philadelphia has surprised early behind Tyrese Maxey’s leap and a strong rookie start from VJ Edgecombe. That depth could make last year’s standout Jared McCain available, and Paul George carries one of the league’s worst contracts.

A Davis–Joel Embiid pairing would be terrifying, even if the roster math is tricky with both teams above the tax.

After Dec. 15, a package built around George, McCain, and one of Philly’s two tradable firsts could make sense.

4. Bulls

Chicago needs rim protection and an interior presence more than it needs Nikola Vucevic’s floor spacing. Davis fixes their defensive weaknesses instantly and gives Josh Giddey the vertical threat he currently lacks.

The Bulls could get there financially with expiring deals (Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Coby White), toss in rookie Noa Essengue as a developmental piece, and add one of up to four tradable firsts.

3. Kings

Sacramento is a mess, and the Sabonis–LaVine–DeRozan trio hasn’t clicked. Davis would overhaul their rim protection and give the roster a defensive backbone it simply doesn’t have.

For Dallas, Sabonis checks every box: durability, passing, shot creation, and fit with Flagg. The Kings have as many as six tradable firsts, and a Domantas Sabonis + Dennis  Schroder framework (after Dec. 15) is already being whispered about.

2. Raptors

The math is difficult with both teams stuck at the first apron, but Toronto has never shied away from aggressive moves.

A package built around Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, and up to four picks could work with some cap maneuvering.

1. Heat

Miami is always in the mix for stars, and Davis next to Bam Adebayo would immediately produce one of the best defenses in basketball. The fit on offense isn’t perfect, but the talent is undeniable.

After Dec. 15, the Heat could put Andrew Wiggins — who looks rejuvenated — and the expiring deal of Terry Rozier on the table. Add Miami’s two tradable firsts, and you have a real offer.

Executives expect conversations to heat up as Davis inches closer to returning from his calf strain. And for Dallas, the front office shakeup means everything is on the table.