The Hawks remain “very intrigued” by the possibility of acquiring Mavericks big man Anthony Davis in a trade, insider Chris Haynes reported during an ‘NBA on Prime’ broadcast (hat tip to Real GM).
Haynes indicated that a potential deal involving the Hawks would not include Trae Young, who could become a free agent after the season if he declines his $48,967,380 option. Instead, the package for Davis could include 2024 top pick Zaccharie Risacher.
“Dallas would likely want expiring deals, young assets, and picks – and probably, likely to include number one pick from last season Zach Risacher,” Haynes said.
If Young and his $46MM salary isn’t part of the potential deal, Kristaps Porzingis‘ $30,731,707 expiring contract would be a necessary component.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported earlier this week that the Hawks had checked in on Davis. However, Siegel also reported that there has been no momentum in those talks and there was a sense that Atlanta is more likely to target a lower-salary replacement if the team builds a deal around Porzingis‘ expiring contract.
Adding Davis would be an “all-in” move for the Hawks, considering his contract numbers. He’s making $54,126,45 this season and $58,456,566 next season. Davis also holds a player option of $62,786,682 for the 2027/28 season.
Haynes added that a team acquiring Davis would likely have to sign him to a contract extension. That would involve significant risk, considering Davis’ injury history. He’s currently dealing with a mild right groin strain.
Davis has only appeared in 16 games this season and, outside of his 76 regular-season appearances with the Lakers in 2023/24, hasn’t seen action in more than 62 games since the 2018/19 season.
Davis would significantly boost the Hawks’ defense. Atlanta has falle below .500 at 15-17 during its current five-game slide. The Hawks have allowed 126 or more points in their last seven losses. They have allowed opponents to shoot 47.8 percent from the field this season, ranking 23rd in the league in that category.