Despite being a frequent name in trade speculation, finding a realistic deal for Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis is a frustrating exercise for analysts and fans alike. In principle, a trade appears logical: Davis will turn 33 in March, and with the Mavericks not positioned to contend on his timeline, moving him for younger assets and draft picks would seem to benefit both parties.
However, a consensus is forming among league experts that the Mavericks cannot expect a significant return for the former All-NBA talent. Less than a year after he was acquired in a blockbuster trade, his market value has plummeted. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noted that “not a lot of teams that are lining up” to acquire Davis. The Ringer’s Zach Lowe went further, predicting the gap between what the Mavericks gave up for Davis and what they will eventually receive “will set the world record for the biggest delta in trade returns for one single player in the history of professional sports.”
The primary obstacle is not recent concerns over his conditioning or a minor calf strain, but his colossal contract. Davis is earning $54.1 million this season, is owed $58.5 million next year, and holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. Furthermore, next August he becomes eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $275 million, which could pay him as much as $76 million in the season he turns 38.
This financial burden creates two major hurdles for any potential trade partner. First, a team must be able to legally construct a deal, sending out at least $43.1 million in salaries without its post-trade payroll exceeding the first luxury tax apron. That team must also believe Davis is the final piece for a championship, even after losing key players to acquire him. Second, a suitor must be comfortable with Davis’s long-term financial implications, whether that means offering a massive extension or navigating difficult negotiations with a future Hall of Famer in his mid-30s.
Even if a team is willing to take on the risk, the Mavericks face their own dilemma. It remains unclear what package of players and draft picks they would deem acceptable. Most hypothetical trade scenarios fail to present a “no-brainer” option for Dallas, raising questions about whether any suitor can meet their asking price.
This situation reflects a broader trend under the NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement, where aging stars on max contracts have seen diminished trade markets. The Miami Heat received a modest return for Jimmy Butler, while the Phoenix Suns traded Kevin Durant for a fraction of their initial investment. Similarly, the trade that sent Brandon Ingram from New Orleans was widely viewed as a salary-clearing move.
According to The Stein Line newsletter, other teams are facing similar challenges. The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly hesitant to move LaMelo Ball due to the likelihood of disappointing offers, a situation described as “somewhat reminiscent” of Davis’s in Dallas. Likewise, the Sacramento Kings are not expected to receive a significant haul for former All-Stars like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, or DeMar DeRozan due to their substantial contracts.
As the unofficial start of trade season approaches on December 15, contending teams are generally wary of such complicated acquisitions that risk disrupting chemistry and creating future salary-cap problems. Instead, the ideal trade target is often a younger, versatile player on an affordable contract who can complement an existing core. This explains why a player like Sacramento’s Keon Ellis, a fourth-year guard earning just $2.3 million, is reportedly drawing interest from more than half the league, making him a hotter commodity than the decorated stars dominating the headlines.
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