While trade whispers are intensifying around Anthony Davis, a move before the February 6 deadline mightn’t be so clear cut (all times AEDT).

The Atlanta Hawks have been touted as one of the frontrunners to secure the star Dallas Mavericks centre in a deal.

But according to NBA insider Marc Stein, there’s “no meaningful traction” currently in trade talks between Atlanta and Dallas.

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Stein reported last week that the Hawks’ ability to absorb Davis’ lucrative salary, owed $175 million (AUD $261 million) over the next three seasons, might hinge on whether they’re able to find a trade partner for Trae Young.

The Hawks appear more willing than ever before to move Young. They have a 2-8 record without him this season and a 15-12 record with him.

Though NBA insider Chris Haynes has previously reported Young wouldn’t be included in a deal for Davis.

Young appeared to make a cryptic reference to increasing trade speculation around him with an social media post this week that read: “Consider the source before you consider the statement.”

The four-time All-Star has a $48 million player option on his contract for next campaign, meaning he can opt out and become a free agent this off-season.

But if Young opted into it and Atlanta secured Davis, the 17-20 Hawks, currently occupying the final play-in spot in the East, would suddenly have one of the most expensive rosters in the NBA.

Stein also reports that while the Hawks are believed to be open to moving Zaccharie Risacher in the right scenario, including the former No. 1 pick in a Davis trade isn’t in their plans.

Atlanta’s breakout superstar Jalen Johnson and rights to New Orleans’ 2026 unprotected first-round pick are also considered unavailable in trade talks, according to other teams.

Davis, 32, is eligible for a mega four-year, $275 million max contract extension next August that’d pay him $76 million at age 37.

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Without an extension, the oft-injured superstar can decline his $62 million player option in the final year of his contract and become a free agent after the 2026/27 season.

Stein added that the 13-23 Mavs currently outside the West play-in, are believed to be open to discussing trades for everyone on their roster bar Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving ahead of the February deadline.

Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, who’s reportedly “high on Atlanta as a potential destination for his client if trade talks got serious,” is in open communication with key Dallas figureheads. They include co-interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi to coach Jason Kidd to owner Patrick Dumont.

Paul also manages Jalen Johnson.

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The trade talk comes less than a year after Dallas acquired Davis as the centre piece in the shock Luka Doncic deal.

But a return on that investment in Davis, who’s been limited to 18 of a possible 36 games this season due to ongoing injuries, is looking increasingly shaky as the Mavericks canvas their trade options.

As such, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says Dallas is hesitant to trade Davis to avoid making the Doncic deal look even worse.

“You’ve got this black cloud of what you gave up to get Anthony Davis,” MacMahon said on the “Howdy Partners” podcast.

“And I’m just telling you, they’re not going to make a trade that’s going to look good on paper, when you say, ‘The Mavericks traded Luka, and a year later here’s what they ended up with’.

“It’s a difficult thing when there’s this pressure to not make the worst trade in NBA history look that bad, when AD just doesn’t have that kind of value because of the durability issues and the money he makes and the money he’s going to expect on an extension this summer.”

MacMahon continued: “He just doesn’t have the kind of value where you’re going to be able to get a rising young player and a package of picks.

“Honestly I’m sceptical at this point that they’re going to get an Anthony Davis trade done before this deadline.”