NBA Trade Rumors: Anthony Davis' Mavericks Departure Far From Certain After Major Roadblock Emerges

NBA: Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn
NBA: Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn

Anthony Davis has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in mid-season trade discussions. Earlier reports suggested that the Dallas Mavericks were already considering ending the experiment after Davis struggled with injuries, with strong speculation that the team could move on from the star they acquired in a blockbuster deal involving Luka Doncic.

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However, new developments indicate that Dallas does not feel pressured to make another major decision.

According to Marc Stein, the Mavericks are currently receiving weak trade offers for Davis, largely because of his current health status. Rather than accepting a deal that undervalues him, the organization is choosing to be patient and allow Davis time to recover.

The franchise continues to hope that Davis returns to become a high-value asset with improved performance over the course of the season.

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“Yet sources with knowledge of Dallas' thinking insist that it will not just trade him in-season for the sake of it if the offers received are deemed to be subpar in the wake of Davis' injury woe since the 32-year-old became a Maverick,” Stein wrote.
“It is believed that Dumont — knowing the trade can't be undone and more than cognizant of its damaging aftermath given what's transpired in Dallas over the past 10 months — wants to see more from Davis for evaluation purposes rather than rush into another deal that compounds mistakes already made.”
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Anthony Davis has already missed 15 of the Mavericks’ first 25 games this season, largely due to a left calf strain suffered in late Oct. He returned to the lineup on Nov 28 for the NBA Emirates Cup game against the Lakers and has been available for every game since. During that stretch, Davis has averaged 18.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game.

Jeff Teague explains why a move to Toronto will help Anthony Davis’ career

Several teams have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Anthony Davis ever since his name surfaced in mid-season trade discussions. But former NBA guard Jeff Teague has mentioned one destination he believes could be good for Davis.

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During an appearance on the Club 520 podcast, Teague said a move to the Toronto Raptors could help Davis rediscover his rhythm by taking the pressure off his shoulders.

“I like him (AD) in Toronto, though,” Teague said. “You know why? Cuz Anthony Davis needs to be somewhere like when he was with the Pelicans, where there ain’t no pressure.
“No disrespect to Toronto, but nobody cares about the Raptors. With him and (Brandon Ingram), they’d have a nice squad. They can make some noise, and AD can just be under the radar and hoop again.”

Toronto does have the assets to potentially entice the Dallas Mavericks. Pairing Davis with Scottie Barnes could give the Raptors a strong new core, and the team could build an offer around players such as Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, or Jakob Poeltl, along with multiple future draft picks.

Mavericks Fan? Check out the latest Dallas Mavericks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Advait Jajodia
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