The Dallas Mavericks have accumulated an uninspiring 13-23 record. This puts the franchise at eleventh in the Western Conference, inching closer to another trip to the NBA’s draft lottery.
With February’s trade deadline soon approaching, this brings questions of whether Dallas will move Anthony Davis. While productive when on the court, the 32-year-old has missed over 40 games since joining the Mavericks and is in the early stages of a hefty three-year, $175 million extension.
This season, Davis is averaging 20.4 points and 10.8 rebounds over 18 games. He is a prime candidate for a franchise with financial flexibility and a willingness to gamble.
Will the Atlanta Hawks Trade For Anthony Davis?
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn predicts that Davis will be moved to the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks are noted for showing the most substantial interest in the 10-time All-Star.
“Atlanta has reportedly been the most aggressive team in pursuit of Davis thus far,” wrote Quinn. “It’s a strange fit given how young most of the core here is, but the Hawks seem to want to lean into defense and athleticism, and with Davis, they’d have plenty of it.”
The Hawks are in a slightly more favorable situation than the Mavericks, holding the tenth spot in a tightly packed Eastern Conference with a 17-20 record. Atlanta’s frontcourt is facing challenges too, as Kristaps Porzingis is on an expiring contract and continues to deal with injuries.
Based on current available assets, trade talks are looking to grow stale between the two teams. The Hawks are reportedly reluctant to part with 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, who would be an ideal piece in an offer involving Davis for Porzingis.
Ultimately, the Mavericks will need to decide whether it’s worth unloading Davis’ contract this yeast or bet on the one-time NBA champion to remain healthy for next season. Also, the Hawks must also consider whether Davis is the missing piece to a playoff-hopeful team.
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