The Dallas Mavericks are rapidly approaching a crossroads, and the center of their dilemma is superstar big man Anthony Davis, a player whose trade market may not be as strong as many once assumed. With the Mavericks sitting at 5-13 and spiraling after a disappointing start to the season, the conversation around Davis’ future has intensified throughout the league.
During Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps outlined why moving Davis could prove extremely difficult despite his elite talent.
While the idea of trading a player of Davis’ caliber often conjures visions of massive returns, multiple first-round picks, promising young talent, and swaps, league executives reportedly do not see his value that way right now.
“The idea of trading Anthony Davis has everyone trained to think, well, they’re gonna get three firsts, two swaps…” Bontemps said. “There’s not a lot of teams lining up to take on a 32-year-old Anthony Davis making $63 million, and you have to assume he’s gonna opt into that deal.”
That deal includes a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, a number that dramatically complicates salary-matching logistics.
Cooper Flagg has already played more games for the Mavericks than Anthony Davis 😳 pic.twitter.com/t4moVLsE2j
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 21, 2025
Any team interested in Davis would not only need assets but also the financial structure to absorb or offset an enormous contract. Bontemps noted that the first hurdle is simply finding someone “willing to take on the money.”
Compounding the challenge is Davis’s availability. He has already missed 13 games this season due to a calf injury, raising durability concerns that have followed him for much of his career. For teams considering a long-term investment in a mid-30s big man with an injury history, caution is high.
Despite the buzz, Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban recently told The Athletic's Joe Vardon that the franchise does not intend to trade Davis, saying, “We want to try to win.” The organization still sees Davis and Flagg as the centerpiece duo capable of contending, if they can get healthy and rediscover momentum.
But if Dallas’ struggles continue, the noise will only get louder. A season that once promised title contention may soon force a reckoning: rebuild or ride it out?
The Mavericks face the Miami Heat (11-6) Monday night, and the pressure has never been heavier.
