ESPN reporters Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst detailed growing league-wide belief that the Dallas Mavericks should explore trading Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving ahead of the February deadline. Their reporting indicates that multiple team executives view moving both veterans as the most effective way for Dallas to reset its roster around 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
Bontemps and Windhorst reported that sources around the league consider parting with Davis — and potentially Irving — the “optimal strategy,” given the franchise’s limited draft assets. Dallas controls only one first-round pick this decade, a 2026 selection widely regarded as valuable because of the projected strength of that draft class.
An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that trading both players is the right path for Dallas, emphasizing the need to build around Flagg rather than commit long-term money to aging stars. Another general manager pointed to Davis’ contract trajectory, noting that he will turn 33 in March and could seek an extension costing upward of $70 million annually when he is 37. The executive cited Davis’ injury history as a significant factor influencing trade value.
The reporting arrives as the Mavericks continue to navigate major organizational upheaval. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated noted that Dallas’ front office is undergoing rapid restructuring after the firing of Nico Harrison, whose tenure was marked by internal friction and divisive decision-making. Mannix detailed how the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers became part of a broader pattern of personnel moves shaped by an insular decision-making environment.
In the wake of Harrison’s dismissal, Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have assumed interim control of basketball operations. Their early focus includes evaluating “radical roster changes,” a sign that the Mavericks are considering sweeping moves to stabilize their direction.
Minority owner Mark Cuban has also re-entered the decision-making process after previously stepping back from personnel matters. His involvement comes as the team navigates a 3–9 start marked by injuries to Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Irving. Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 assists, and 6.8 rebounds across five appearances, but availability concerns continue to shape discussions about his long-term fit.
Bontemps and Windhorst report that Dallas officials are weighing whether they can secure appropriate value for Davis, given his contract timeline and health history. These factors, combined with the organization’s limited draft capital, position the coming weeks as a critical evaluation period as the Mavericks determine their direction before February.
