Anthony Davis Trade Idea Sends Mavericks Star to Eastern Conference

The Dallas Mavericks should figure out their trade market for Anthony Davis.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis reacts after being fouled against the Sacramento Kings.

The Dallas Mavericks are trying to figure out what to do regarding Anthony Davis, who is dealing with a hand injury just weeks before the NBA trade deadline.

There's limited time for the Mavericks to make a move, so they have to be careful about which direction they go in. CBS Sports writer Sam Quinn believes the Mavericks could have a trade partner for Davis in the Charlotte Hornets.

"Charlotte has Dallas' first-round pick in 2027. The Mavericks would probably like that pick back. The Hornets have room under the luxury tax to take on some extra money from Dallas, who'd probably like to try to duck the tax. Get Klay Thompson in this deal as a veteran for Knueppel and LaMelo Ball. The pieces are all here. Players of Davis' stature rarely want to go to markets like Charlotte, but it's the best place for the next stage of his career," Quinn wrote.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis yells during warmups before the start of the game

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis yells during warmups before the start of the game. | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Mavericks, Hornets Could Make Anthony Davis Trade

If the Mavs were to trade Davis and Thompson, they could get that coveted first-round pick back as well as another piece or two.

A projected trade idea could send Davis, Thompson, and veteran point guard Dante Exum to the Hornets for Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton, Grant Williams, Pat Connaughton, and that 2027 first-round pick.

Bridges would be a valuable piece that could replace Davis in the starting lineup. He would work well with Cooper Flagg on the wing. Sexton is on an expiring contract, but he could be the team's point guard option until Kyrie Irving gets back. Williams and Connaughton serve as salary filler and would likely be waived or bought out. They could also be sent to a third team if another squad is willing to get in on the deal.

Ultimately, the Mavericks need to do something to try to change what has transpired over the course of the first half of the season. This trade does that, and it sets into motion the future of the franchise.

Mavericks forward Naji Marshall urged the team not to dwell in the past amid the return of Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) fouls Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

Saturday night is sure to be an emotional one for the Dallas Mavericks as it marks the first time this season that Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will make their way to the American Airlines Center. It’s also only the second time since the trade that Doncic has returned as an opponent with the Lakers. But ahead of the game, Mavericks veteran forward Naji Marshall urged the team not to focus so much on the past, as per Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Mavs.

“I just live in the moment and continue to just do my job, and I know my teammates feel the same way,” Marshall said. “It wasn’t us who got traded or fired, so it’s not really something we should focus on that much. I know you build relationships with those people, you wish the best for them, but like I said, worrying about that stuff, somebody else is doing your job for you.”

In the aftermath of the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers, the Mavericks ended up getting the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft which they used to select Cooper Flagg. Flagg has been a contender for the Rookie of the Year Award, but the Mavericks have still not been able to fully move past the bitter taste left by the trade.

Earlier this season, the organization took a big step towards trying to rectify the situation by firing embattled general manager Nico Harrison.

Making matters worse, Anthony Davis, the centerpiece for the Mavericks in the Doncic trade, has been limited in his availability due to injury. He’s currently sidelined amid a hand injury.

But the Mavericks have hit a groove recently, having won three consecutive games, and six of their last 10. They are 18-26 and in 12 place in the Western Conference standings, and a game and half back of the No. 10 Clippers for a play-in spot.