Getting caught up in the Luka Doncic trade ended up banishing Anthony Davis to a situation that quickly grew ugly for the former Los Angeles Lakers star. There was just no NBA relevancy to be found with his new team. That should soon change.
The Dallas Mavericks fell apart immediately after dealing Doncic to Los Angeles. Despite the trade being sold as a win-now move, the Mavericks could not even survive the Play-In last year. Things went from bad to worse this season and Dallas made the predictable move of giving Nico Harrison the axe.
Davis has been stuck in no man's land throughout all of this. Even with his injury struggles, the former NBA champion is still a player many would look at as a helpful boost for a competitive basketball team. If Shams Charania is to be believed, the opportunity to make that impact should find him again.
Charania wrote, "Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks, another former NBA champion, is expected to be a critical trade target of several teams, including many of the East's contenders. The Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors are expected to be suitors for Davis."
Pistons, Hawks, or Raptors would allow Anthony Davis to matter once more
The Mavericks have every reason to pursue a retool around the Cooper Flagg timeline in Dallas. Davis, who is already 32 years old, naturally does not fit that vision. However, the talented two-way big man can provide them with a solid return to boost the future with their first overall pick from 2025.
Meanwhile, Davis gets to matter again. Being stuck on a team like the Mavericks does nothing for his career, especially at this stage. Any of the Pistons, Hawks, or Raptors would all provide a much more intriguing home for him.
The Pistons stick out as a real team for Davis to play meaningful playoff basketball. Even while sitting atop the Eastern Conference, Detroit would still benefit from adding more star power beside Cade Cunningham. Having Jalen Duren present would allow Davis to play his desire spot at the four too.
Joining a lengthy, defensive-minded group like the Hawks could offer a ton of fun too. Davis would certainly put them over the top as an elite unit on that end, and help solidify Atlanta as a playoff team and contender in the East.
The Raptors are trending in the wrong direction after losing their last three games. The absence of RJ Barrett is catching up to Toronto.
However, the Raptors should still have plenty of reason for optimism with what their team looks like when led by Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Adding the former Lakers champion bodes well in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Any of these scenarios would offer far more excitement to Davis' career than his current set-up in Dallas. For those in Los Angeles who still think of Davis fondly, seeing him freed from the Mavericks would warm the heart.