The Dallas Mavericks are preparing to explore a trade for Anthony Davis, according to a new report from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, signaling a dramatic shift for a franchise still facing the consequences of last season’s blockbuster Luka Dončić deal.
Davis, a 10-time NBA All-Star, arrived in Dallas as the centerpiece of a trade package that sent Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. That decision has since sparked intense backlash, contributed to the team’s 4–12 start, and ultimately resulted in the firing of general manager Nico Harrison.
Now, with a new ownership group fully in control, MacMahon reports that the front office is “plotting to pivot to the future” around rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick who arrived after historic lottery luck.
“Multiple team sources said the Mavs will explore the trade market for Davis…before this season’s deadline,” MacMahon wrote.
Ownership Power Shift Drives Change in Dallas
The report indicates a widening divide between public statements from minority owner Mark Cuban and the decision-making of majority owner Patrick Dumont, who now controls basketball operations.
Cuban publicly told The Athletic’s Joe Vardon on Wednesday that the Mavericks “won’t” trade Davis and are attempting to win now. But Cuban no longer controls roster moves after selling his majority stake last year and now serves only as a consultant.
The ESPN report portrays Dumont as actively reversing Harrison’s decisions, beginning with firing him and now examining ways to undo the Dončić trade by potentially moving Davis.
Dumont, who approved the Dončić deal after being “talked into it,” has reportedly expressed remorse and is now steering the organization back toward long-term planning with Flagg as the centerpiece.
Dispute Over Davis’ Health Signals Turning Point
Tension within the front office escalated earlier this month when Dumont intervened to prevent Davis from returning prematurely from a calf strain — a return that both Harrison and Davis were urging.
MacMahon reports that Dumont blocked Davis from playing Nov. 8 against Washington after consulting Mavericks director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough, who warned that the star big man risked a catastrophic injury.
“This marked the first time Dumont had directly involved himself in basketball operations,” MacMahon wrote.
Three days later, Harrison was fired.
On Sunday, the Mavericks announced Davis will miss another 7–10 days, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Anthony Davis’ Durability Remains Major Concern
GettyAnthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks walks off the court after a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden.
Since arriving in Dallas, health has continued to define Davis’ tenure. He appeared in only nine games last season due to an adductor strain and was forced to undergo retina surgery on his right eye during the summer.
The Mavericks had hoped a full offseason would help him regain All-Star form, but Davis reportedly showed up to training camp weighing 268 pounds — roughly 15 pounds heavier than his listed playing weight, according to The Athletic. His latest setback, a strained calf that has now sidelined him for 11 straight games, has delayed any chance of building continuity with the roster or establishing on-court chemistry with the organization’s young core.
Davis is only in the first year of a three-year, $186 million contract and holds a 2027-28 player option, creating both a potential trade asset and a financial burden.
What’s Next for Dallas?
According to Stein, Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, has forged a “strong relationship” with Dumont and is in “regular contact” with the Mavericks’ owner. That relationship could influence whether Dallas ultimately trades the All-Star or recommits to him.
Either way, Dumont’s next move is clear: Undoing the fallout from the Dončić trade — at all costs.
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