The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly razor-focused on acquiring the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick in a potential Anthony Davis trade.
That draft asset, of course, belongs to the Atlanta Hawks, who remain the most aggressive suitor for Davis ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Per Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, a deal between the Hawks and the Mavericks has been held up due to that 2026 Pelicans pick, which is projected to be in the top-three.
“I can tell you with certainty that the Mavericks have been trying to pry away that New Orleans Pelicans pick away from the Hawks, for some time now,” Mannix said on the “Open Floor” podcast, via MavsFilmRoom.
“That has been on the mind of the Mavericks’ front office for some time now.”
Anthony Davis Trade Suitors
Besides the Hawks, the Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons have been earmarked as suitors for the 10-time All-Star and 2020 NBA champion.
According to insider Chris Haynes, the league-wide expectation is for Davis to be moved ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, with the Mavericks preparing to usher in the Cooper Flagg era. Polymarket currently lists Davis as the third-most likely player to be moved, behind only Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga and the Sacramento Kings‘ Keon Ellis.
Speaking of Kuminga, The Athletic’s Sam Amick dropped a bombshell report last week, which claimed that the Mavericks recently contacted Golden State to offer Davis in a potential deal involving the Congolese forward, whom they have interest in. The Warriors reportedly nixed the deal due to their reluctance to move either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler in any deals.
“A Butler-for-Davis swap works financially, as the Warriors forward also makes $54.1 million this season, but Golden State has shown no interest in making such a move.”
Anthony Davis to Hawks Buzz
The Hawks, who can offer the Pelicans’ 2026 first-round draft pick and former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher for Davis, are the frontrunners to land the Kentucky alum.
“The Hawks are a real-deal suitor for Davis,” insider Marc Stein wrote in his latest Substack published on Dec. 29.
“…It is also increasingly believed that Atlanta is willing to surrender Zaccharie Risacher in the proverbial right scenario, since the No. 1 overall pick in the draft just 18 months ago has not developed as the Hawks would have hoped to this point.”
Stein, though, is unsure of “how far” the Hawks were willing to go in their pursuit of Davis, who reportedly wants a long-term extension with his next team. Davis is owed $58.5M next season, following which he has a $62.7M Player Option for 2027-28.
The insider floated a potential deal that would include the expiring contracts of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, Risacher and the 2026 first-round Pelicans pick.
“I is unclear how much additional draft compensation they would be willing (or able) to add to the deal to convince the Mavericks part with Davis in-season,” added Stein.
Hypothetically, the Mavs would be setting themselves up nicely for the future with the haul of Risacher and the 2026 New Orleans pick. The Pelicans (8-28) currently own the second-worst record in the league, ahead of a draft class that includes generational prospects such as Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. The idea of any of those teenagers joining Flagg is a scary proposition for the NBA.
Mavericks Have Identified No. 1 Asset in Anthony Davis Trade: Report