Trade rumors have been swirling around the Dallas Mavericks ever since Nico Harrison got fired last month, with many fans wondering if the team may opt to trade big man Anthony Davis, who has been in and out of the lineup due to injury. Recently, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that multiple Eastern Conference teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, might have interest in Davis' services.
On Thursday, ESPN proposed a blockbuster five-team trade that would shake up the NBA world. In the deal, the Hawks would receive Anthony Davis, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Devin Carter. The Mavericks would get back Zach LaVine and multiple first round picks. The Sacramento Kings would net Trae Young and Luke Kennard. The Golden State Warriors would get Kristaps Porzingis. The Detroit Pistons would get Doug McDermott and cash considerations.
“The challenge of the Hawks trading for Davis is that Young almost needs to be included in order for Atlanta's payroll to avoid skyrocketing in 2026-27. But bringing Young to Dallas doesn't make much sense unless Kyrie Irving is in the trade, too. To get around that, this trade involves five teams and nine players,” wrote the publication.
At this point, it would seem to be highly unlikely that such a gigantic trade would go down, but as the NBA (and specifically the Mavericks) taught us last year, anything is possible.
From the Mavericks' perspective, this deal would allow them to finally start accumulating some future assets to pair with Cooper Flagg, while also getting him a nice point guard to play alongside in Zach LaVine. Meanwhile, Atlanta would get a dominant (when healthy) big man to add to their burgeoning young core of players, as well as some intriguing wing players in Kuminga and Hield.
Still, fans probably shouldn't hold their breath on this one.
