The New York Knicks are expected to be among the teams that inquire about 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis should the Dallas Mavericks make him available, according to NBA insider Ian Begley of SNY.
Begley wrote in his latest mailbag that while a Davis trade remains uncertain, the Knicks would “at least check in” if Dallas formally opens discussions.
“This is stating the obvious, but I’m sure the Knicks would at least check in with Dallas if/when Anthony Davis becomes available,” Begley wrote. “If Dallas is offering Davis at a below-market cost, I’m sure the Knicks will at least give the move some thought.”
Begley emphasized that the Mavericks will receive calls from nearly every franchise if they begin fielding offers and noted that the trade market will fully take shape in the next month.
Knicks Are in Win-Now Mode — and Under Pressure
The Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, the coach who delivered their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. His replacement, Mike Brown, has modernized New York’s offense, leading them to the No. 3 offensive rating in the NBA, but their trademark defensive identity has collapsed. The Knicks currently rank No. 18 in defensive rating, an alarming drop for a team aiming for a championship run.
Davis, a five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, would immediately address New York’s need for an elite interior stopper and shot-blocker.
However, Davis’ injury history remains a major concern — and that’s one of the reasons Dallas appears ready to move on. The 32-year-old big man averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks before he suffered a calf strain.
Mavericks Preparing to Explore Anthony Davis Trade Market
GettyAnthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks is expected to be on the trade block.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Dallas is preparing to explore trade options for Davis before the February deadline, marking a significant pivot from the franchise’s decision to trade Luka Dončić for him last season.
MacMahon reported that new ownership is “plotting to pivot to the future” around 18-year-old rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick who landed in Dallas after unprecedented lottery luck.
“Multiple team sources said the Mavs will explore the trade market for Davis before this season’s deadline,” MacMahon reported.
The trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles sparked enormous backlash, contributed to Dallas’ 4–12 start, and played a role in the firing of general manager Nico Harrison. New majority owner Patrick Dumont has since taken direct control of basketball decisions.
Conflicting Messages From Dallas Leadership
Just hours before MacMahon’s report dropped, minority owner Mark Cuban insisted Dallas wouldn’t move Davis.
“We won’t. We want to try to win,” Cuban told The Athletic.
However, Cuban no longer has decision-making authority. Dumont controls operations, and multiple insiders—including ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania—say Dallas is listening to offers.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Cuba’s statement is more of a “posturing,” and he believes the Mavericks will ultimately trade Davis, but “not from a position of weakness.”
Dallas “will not act from a position of weakness.”
What Would a Knicks Trade Look Like?
Any deal for Davis would likely require New York to part with one or two core players and possibly draft picks. Begley noted that the Knicks will inquire, but their top current priority is a backup point guard, a role that was expected to be filled by Malcolm Brogdon before his unexpected retirement during training camp.
The Knicks will monitor the situation as the trade market develops. As Begley put it, the next month will dictate who buys, who sells, and whether Davis becomes the biggest name to move this season.
“It will be interesting to see which teams sell and which players become available between now and early February,” Begley concluded.
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