Anthony Davis has found himself at the center of trade rumors as the Dallas Mavericks look to reset their timeline around first overall pick Cooper Flagg, who looks like a superstar in the making. A few different teams have been rumored to be interested in the 10-time All-Star, but what would Anthony Davis prefer?
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Davis doesn’t want to go anywhere.
“AD’s preference would be to stay in Dallas and to get that extension this summer,” MacMahon said on NBA Today.
The Mavericks are trying to generate a good trade market for Anthony Davis. However, this has proven difficult due to his durability issues and, perhaps more significantly, his large contract. MacMahon noted that Rich Paul is likely to be involved in any potential trade discussions. They will want Davis traded to a team willing to offer him a long, lucrative contract extension.
Currently, Davis is making $54.1 million this year, set to earn $58.5 million next year, and has a player option worth a whopping $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. Finding a team willing to absorb that contract won’t be easy. If a team does trade for him, they may also want to persuade him to opt out of that player option to sign a longer-term deal.
Could Davis be tempted by a deal similar to the one Kyrie Irving just signed—approximately $120 million over three years? It’s likely Davis is seeking a lucrative contract, which may not necessarily max out his value but would provide an additional $60 million beyond his current commitment.
### What Would the Mavericks Prefer for Anthony Davis?
From the Mavericks’ perspective, trading Anthony Davis would still be preferred if the right offer comes along. They aim to receive assets that can help them during the Cooper Flagg era—whether that involves young players, draft capital, expiring contracts, or a combination of these.
However, finding a suitable trade partner seems increasingly challenging. The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly shown interest only if Trae Young is involved, a player the Mavericks appear reluctant to acquire. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have no intention of trading Draymond Green, despite ongoing speculation.
No other teams have demonstrated significant interest so far. With about a month left until the trade deadline, anything remains possible, but a trade for Davis may not be imminent.
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https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/onsi/news/anthony-davis-makes-stance-trade-rumors-with-dallas-mavericks-clear-
