The idea of an Anthony Davis homecoming has resurfaced as the Dallas Mavericks navigate front office changes, injuries, and a difficult start. With Dallas at 3-9 and general manager Nico Harrison out, the franchise finds itself reassessing its direction. In that environment, rival teams have begun to quietly monitor the situation.
One of the more notable ideas came from Fansided’s Tyler Watts, who suggested the Chicago Bulls have a path to acquire Davis by leveraging draft capital and salary-matching veterans. His framework outlines a scenario where Chicago finally takes a meaningful swing without dismantling its young core.
The concept is simple. If Dallas decides to reset after a turbulent year, Chicago could be positioned to make one of the strongest offers available.
John Wall Suggests Davis May Be Open To Moving On
Speculation around Davis increased after John Wall discussed the situation on Run It Back. Wall’s comments were shared by Run It Back FDTV, where he suggested that Davis may be ready for a fresh start and noted the long-standing idea of a potential Chicago return.
“I wish he was healthy so they could try to see what they have and wait till Kyrie comes back. But I think at this point, AD is probably done with it,” Wall said. He added that Davis has always had an interest in seeing what a homecoming might look like.
Davis has missed seven straight games with a calf injury. Kyrie Irving remains out while recovering from a torn ACL, leaving Dallas with limited information about how the group fits together.
The uncertainty grew after Harrison’s dismissal. Marc Stein reported that Dallas is expected to consider all options, including exploring Davis’ trade value. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon echoed that sentiment on The Hoop Collective, suggesting that owner Patrick Dumont will likely evaluate scenarios rather than commit prematurely to an extension.
For Chicago, this combination of factors has created a rare opportunity to inquire about a high-impact star without being immediately priced out.
Bulls Could Build a Competitive Offer Without Gutting Their Core
Watts’ trade pitch focused on a package built around veterans and draft assets. It is a realistic construction that satisfies salary rules while giving Dallas flexibility and picks.
Proposed Deal:
Bulls receive:
• Anthony Davis
Mavericks receive:
• Nikola Vucevic
• Isaac Okoro
• Zach Collins
• Two first round picks
• Two second round picks
The key for Chicago is that the deal does not touch Coby White, Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, or Patrick Williams. It preserves the developmental core while adding a star-level defender and interior presence.
The market for Davis will be difficult to gauge. He has played only 16 games since arriving in Dallas and has an extensive injury history. His contract rises to 58.4 million next season and includes a 62.7 million player option in 2027-28. He will also be extension eligible in 2026. Teams understand the risk, which is why some executives believe Dallas may realistically receive only one first round pick in return.
If that is the case, a two-first package from Chicago would immediately move them to the front of the line.
Bulls Could Build a Balanced Lineup Around Davis
GettyAnthony Davis enters the trade rumor mill after Nico Harrison was fired by the Dallas Mavericks.
A healthy Davis alongside Buzelis, White, Giddey, and Williams gives Chicago a modern mix of size, playmaking, and defensive upside. The Bulls have struggled for years to find a defensive anchor who elevates the group. Davis would fill that gap immediately.
If the expanded shooting from Giddey and Buzelis continues, Chicago’s offense becomes more layered. The Bulls also hired a coaching staff capable of maximizing system defense over individual talent. Davis fits comfortably into that approach.
Most importantly, this is the type of ceiling play ownership has hesitated to make but has always wanted. It aligns with their preference to compete rather than rebuild.
Should the Bulls Pursue the Gamble
This is a pivotal moment for Chicago. The franchise can either commit to gradual growth or pursue a transformative opportunity. Acquiring Davis carries health risk and long-term financial considerations, but the price and timing make it one of the more reasonable superstar swings available.
For Dallas, the offer provides stability and assets at a moment when the franchise is searching for clarity. For Chicago, it provides direction and a legitimate path to becoming competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls have been waiting for an opportunity that does not require breaking the roster apart. If Davis becomes available, this may be their chance to take a significant step forward.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bulls Floated in Blockbuster Trade Pitch for 10x All-Star Big Man appeared first on Heavy Sports.