Anthony Davis has become a critical trade target for multiple Eastern Conference contenders ahead of the February deadline, according to ESPN. The Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors are expected to pursue the 10-time All-Star, who has spent his entire career in the Western Conference.
Davis’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, met with Mavericks interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi. Paul requested clarity on whether Dallas plans to extend Davis in the offseason or trade him before the deadline. The franchise stated it wants to keep its options open.
Davis will become eligible on August 6 to sign a four-year, $275 million maximum extension. The deal would pay him $76 million in his age-37 season. Without an extension, he can become a free agent in 2027 if he declines his $62.8 million player option.
The 32-year-old was acquired in the controversial Luka Doncic trade last February. However, Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury and the subsequent Cooper Flagg lottery win compromised Dallas’ vision under Nico Harrison, who was fired in November.
The Pistons (19-5), Raptors (15-10), and Hawks (14-11) represent high-level threats in the Eastern Conference. All three franchises believe Davis can elevate them into championship-quality teams.
At 9-16, the Mavericks are in the play-in picture but face roster decisions. The 2026 draft is the last one in their control until 2031, providing a pathway to retool at the deadline.
Teams are already preparing for conversations with Dallas ahead of the trade deadline. Those discussions could create significant decisions across the league.