Anthony Davis ranks second on the Fanspo NBA Trade Machine’s list of players to monitor, but attempting to craft a realistic trade involving him is likely to be a frustrating and exhausting challenge. Although theoretically straightforward—Davis will turn 33 in March, and the Dallas Mavericks aren’t positioned to contend immediately—a trade sending him to a championship-ready team in exchange for young talent and draft picks would benefit both sides.
However, experts agree the Mavericks won’t receive a high return for Davis despite his recent accolades, with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noting few teams are ready to take him on. The Ringer’s Zach Lowe highlighted the vast gap between what Dallas gave up for Davis less than a year ago and what they might get now, potentially a record-setting disparity in professional sports. The main issue isn’t Davis’s physical condition but his hefty contract.
Davis is set to earn $54.1 million this season, with $58.5 million due next year and a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28 when he’ll be 35. He can also sign an extension next August that could pay up to $275 million over four years, including $76 million in the 2030-31 season when he’ll be 38. The challenge for any trade partner is assembling a trade package that fits salary rules and doesn’t push them out of future title contention. They must also be confident in managing or renegotiating Davis’s large contract down the line.
Even if Davis plays at an All-NBA level in upcoming games, it’s uncertain if teams would be willing to trade multiple first-round picks for him, or if the Mavericks find available young players appealing enough. The difficulty of moving high-salary, star players is a trend seen recently with other NBA stars like Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, and Brandon Ingram, where trade returns often felt like salary dumps or underwhelming swaps.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, this issue is reflected in other famous players such as LaMelo Ball, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, all of whom have hefty contracts making trades complicated. Great teams often avoid drastic midseason changes that could disrupt chemistry or lead to salary cap problems, despite high-profile trade rumors. So while Davis remains a top name in trade discussions, players like the Kings’ affordable and versatile guard Keon Ellis, sought by over half the league, may be more attractive trade targets.
Fan Take: This situation highlights how the NBA’s evolving salary landscape complicates moves involving even elite stars like Anthony Davis, impacting team-building strategy. For fans, it underlines that blockbuster trades aren’t just about talent but also finances, which can stall exciting roster shakeups and reshape how teams pursue championships.
