Where will the Dallas Mavericks turn following their decision to fire former general manager Nico Harrison?
Co-interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have big decisions to make as the franchise decides which direction to take after their worst 12-game start since the 2017-18 season.
While Harrison prioritized a short-term window behind Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving before the ping-pong balls miraculously led to the selection of top pick Cooper Flagg, perhaps Riccardi and Finley could decide it’s best to build the roster around the 18-year-old future face of the franchise.
If that’s the case, Davis immediately becomes the Mavericks’ biggest asset and could be traded to acquire players better suited to Flagg’s timeline.
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Riccardi and Finley could also try to replenish the lack of draft assets. After next year, the team doesn’t control its first-round pick until 2031.
The first step to any deal for Davis is for him to return to the court. The Mavericks big man has missed the past seven games because of a left calf strain – the same injury Luka Doncic had when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis in February.
The Mavericks could trade Davis in a similar fashion, but he is six years older than Doncic, and to retain his value, he needs to play close to the level he reached before his injury Oct. 29 against Indiana.
In five games this season, Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. The Mavericks are 2-3 when he’s on the floor.
They will list Davis as questionable for Friday’s game against the LA Clippers, their first NBA Cup game at American Airlines Center. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Davis did some “court work” during Thursday’s practice. He is sidelined along with Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington and Dante Exum.
If the Mavericks choose to shop Davis, they’d have to find a team willing to absorb his massive salary of $54.1 million with two years left, including a player option for the 2026-27 season. That contract could be extremely difficult to move, especially in an era of the first and second salary cap aprons that limit the ability to trade.
Aside from Davis, the Mavericks are eligible to trade the following players: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, Dwight Powell, Max Christie and Dereck Lively II.
Here are three possible trade scenarios with Davis the Mavericks could consider before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Scenario No. 1
Mavericks acquire: Kevin Huerter, Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, Chicago’s unprotected first-round pick in 2029
Bulls acquire: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy
Why it works for Dallas: The Mavericks will reportedly work with Davis and his agent Rich Paul over the next two months to decide whether or not to pursue a trade before the deadline. If both sides agree it would be best to part ways, perhaps Davis would want to spend the next chapter in his hometown of Chicago.
Dallas could receive quality rotation players in return. Huerter provides a boost in perimeter shooting, of which the Mavericks are in desperate need with a ranking of 29th in 3-point efficiency.
White could serve as the team’s starting point guard while Irving recovers. And despite Vucevic’s age at 35, he’s valuable as a stretch big and could play alongside Lively or Gafford.
More importantly, the Mavericks would add a first-round pick in 2029.
The Bulls began the season strong, but they’re riding a four-game losing streak. The addition of Davis would pair him with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, and Hardy would be able to get a fresh start in a new environment. As long as Davis is healthy, he’d have an opportunity to revitalize the Bulls, who haven’t made the playoffs since the 2021-22 season.
Scenario No. 2
Mavericks acquire: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland
Pistons acquire: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy
Why it works for Dallas: The Mavericks need perimeter shooting and shot creation. This trade accomplishes both with Harris and Ivey and adds a fierce young defender in Holland.
Harris has one year remaining on his contract but provides veteran leadership and 3-point shooting. He’s a career 36% shooter from the arc despite his 28% clip this season.
Ivey’s had recent injury struggles, but he’s a dynamic guard who can play on and off the ball. He shot 40.9% from 3 before suffering a broken fibula last season.
A trade to the Mavericks for Holland would be a homecoming for the former Duncanville standout.
Hardy would also have the chance to return to his hometown of Detroit, and Davis would be able to play alongside another All-NBA talent in Cade Cunningham and at power forward next to emerging center Jalen Duren.
There’s no indication Detroit would be willing to break up its young core for the sake of adding Davis, though. Why would they when they’re the hottest team in basketball as winners of eight straight games?
Scenario No. 3
Mavericks acquire: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, two future first-round picks
Raptors acquire: Anthony Davis
Why it works for Dallas: Barrett is another young player who could grow alongside Flagg. The seventh-year guard is averaging 20 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists, a level of production could bode well for the Mavericks, who need as many playmakers as they can find during this period of transition.
Poeltl is a solid big man who can crash the boards and provide the occasional double-double. The deal would also allow Dallas to recoup some draft compensation.
On Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2
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