The Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericks in the Luka Doncic deal, and the future Hall of Famer could leave Dallas before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. He is firmly on the trade block, but roadblocks exist in making a deal. AD has appeared in just 13 games and is extension eligible in the offseason. This could be another regrettable trade for whoever acquires him.
Davis is still putting up monster numbers as he averages 19.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game. AD has never developed his 3-point shot and has struggled to stay healthy. The ten-time All-Star turns 33 in March and has played more than 56 games in a season just twice since 2019. Fans can’t expect him to suddenly stay healthy for the full 82.
The Mavericks gave up one of the five best players in the world to get Davis. The disastrous decision is why the franchise no longer employs Nico Harrison. Dallas quickly found out how problematic it can be to have AD leading the roster. The Mavs are looking to move on, but it will be easier said than done.
Anthony Davis may be on the move again before the trade deadline
Davis has done it all in the NBA. He helped the Lakers win a championship in 2020 and has made first-team All-NBA four times. AD has five All-Defensive team honors and was on the 75th Anniversary team. There is no knocking his talent or pedigree. Davis is still one of the top 30 players in the world when healthy, but the best ability is availability.
The Mavs have been disastrous since making the Luka for AD swap. They crashed into the lottery last season only to shockingly move up to land the number one overall pick. This season, Dallas won 11 of their first 29 games and currently sits 11th in the West. That would put them back in the lottery again and force them to shift to the Cooper Flagg timeline.
Trading Davis and Kyrie Irving may prove challenging. Teams are careful about spending in the second apron era. Superstars must be productive and available to be worth their max contracts. AD’s injury history has put a damper on his market.
Teams will be interested. Davis is a game-changing defender and elite scorer. It is difficult to find anyone who can match his production. The Mavericks won’t be getting another superstar in return, and the package may force Dallas to decline. There have already been calls and will be more as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches.
Los Angeles Lakers fans would love to see Anthony Davis traded again, and some hope the purple and gold get in the mix. A reunion is unlikely, especially as Rob Pelinka searches for players on Luka Doncic’s timeline. Some team will step up and trade for AD, especially if he has an extended healthy stretch before the deadline. The talent is just too good to pass up.