A growing number of NBA teams are preparing to call the Dallas Mavericks about the availability of 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, and the New York Knicks will be among the first in line if the Mavs decide to move him, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
“If Dallas is offering Davis at a below-market cost, I’m sure the Knicks will at least give the move some thought,” Begley wrote. “The Mavs will get calls from nearly all NBA teams if/when they make Davis available.”
The Knicks and the Mavericks have a shared history, from their blockbuster Kristaps Porzingis trade to Jalen Brunson leaving Dallas for New York in 2022 free agency.
Dallas Preparing for Franchise Pivot Around Cooper Flagg
The 5-13 Mavericks’ stance on Davis has shifted dramatically after a 4-12 start and the firing of general manager Nico Harrison, who orchestrated the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade. The decision remains one of the most polarizing moves in franchise history.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Dallas’ front office — now led by new majority owner Patrick Dumont and a returning advisory role for Mark Cuban — is preparing to “pivot to the future” around rookie sensation 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 reported.
Front Office Sends Mixed Messages
Only hours before trade speculation intensified, minority owner Mark Cuban told The Athletic that the Mavericks “won’t” trade Davis and will continue building to win now. But Cuban no longer controls roster decisions; his role is advisory after selling majority ownership.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Dallas has already begun listening to trade ideas for the star center. NBA insider Jake Fischer echoed the sentiment, stating that Dallas likely will trade Davis, but “not from a position of weakness.”
A Difficult Start for Davis in Dallas
Davis has struggled to stay healthy since being acquired from the Lakers in February. He has missed the last 13 games with a calf strain, and the team recently extended his timetable another 7–10 days. The Mavericks’ medical staff reportedly opposed pressure from Harrison to rush Davis back, leading to Dumont stepping in, which contributed to Harrison’s firing.
Davis played only nine games last season due to an adductor injury, then underwent retina surgery on his right eye in the offseason. He also reported to camp 15 pounds heavier, weighing 268 pounds, per The Athletic.
What Dallas Could Seek in a Trade
The Mavericks control few draft assets after trading for Davis, but could command significant value if they move him. Davis is still widely considered one of the league’s most dominant defensive players when healthy, and multiple teams are desperate for a franchise-level big man.
Dallas may seek multiple first-round picks to rebuild around Flagg, younger core players with long-term upside or cap flexibility for 2026 offseason planning.
Knicks Viewed as Logical Suitor
The Knicks are under new pressure to contend after firing Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. They possess multiple tradable core players but limited draft assets and are expected to be aggressive as the trade market develops in January.
However, Dallas is not expected to rush a deal and will examine options across the league.
Dallas’ Timeline: Decision Coming Soon
Begley reports that the trade market will clarify over the next 3–4 weeks as teams reveal whether they will buy or sell ahead of the February 5 deadline.
Davis, 32, is in the first year of a three-year, $186 million contract and holds a player option for 2027–28. That contract — along with his injuries — makes any decision franchise-defining.
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