As speculation around Anthony Davis continues, ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon clarified on NBA Today that the veteran big man is not pushing for an exit from Dallas, even with the Mavericks struggling over the last year.
According to MacMahon, Davis would prefer to remain with the Mavericks and secure a contract extension this offseason rather than force a move elsewhere.
That desire, however, raises legitimate roster-building questions for Dallas. The franchise is trying to shape its future around Cooper Flagg, a teenage cornerstone, and committing long term to an expensive veteran big man may not line up cleanly with that timeline.
The financial and competitive logic becomes even murkier when considering Davis’ age and health history.
Davis is currently on a maximum contract that pays him just over $54 million this season and nearly $59 million in 2026–27, with a player option exceeding $62 million the following year.
While those figures are manageable in the short term, a new extension would likely overlap with Flagg’s second NBA deal and would carry Davis well into his mid-30s.
Given his track record with injuries, that kind of commitment represents a major risk for Dallas or any team thinking about trading for him.
MacMahon also noted that the Mavericks are attempting to create a viable trade market for Davis, but that effort is complicated.
Durability concerns and the size of his contract both limit interest, and any serious discussions would involve Rich Paul working to ensure Davis lands with a team willing to offer a long, expensive extension.
Putting all of that together midseason makes a deal difficult to execute, which is why movement on the Anthony Davis front may be more talk than action for now.
Southwest Notes: Davis, Murray, Jones, Wemby https://t.co/N8RFOy8t9s pic.twitter.com/7ipLuJQsen
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 6, 2026
