Rich Paul, agent for Anthony Davis, is reportedly pushing the Dallas Mavericks to trade the 32-year-old forward before the February 5 trade deadline, according to Tim MacMahon on the Hoop Collective Podcast, via RealGM.
Davis, who is sidelined with a hand injury and won’t return until at least the end of February, has opted against surgery, leaving his trade value and playing timeline uncertain.
The Mavericks are exploring trade options but are not under pressure to move Davis, sources told MacMahon, emphasizing they will only make a deal that meets their threshold for draft compensation, young talent, and financial flexibility.
Davis, in the first year of a three-year, $175 million deal, is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 20 games, highlighting his role as a centerpiece alongside Cooper Flagg, who leads Dallas with 19.1 points per game.
Paul’s push is motivated by contract considerations, as Davis seeks a long-term extension in the offseason and has interpreted the Mavericks’ stance as a “no” on a potential deal.
Mavericks management remains focused on competitiveness, with ownership willing to evaluate the roster with a healthy Kyrie Irving, Davis, and Flagg before making any major trades.
The team currently holds a 15-25 record, placing them 12th in the Western Conference and 18.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, complicating decisions about whether to prioritize playoff contention or draft positioning.
Dallas’ front office sees the trade deadline as a flexible window, with the possibility that Davis could remain on the roster past February or even into the next season if a suitable trade isn’t available.
The Mavericks are balancing the need for immediate competitiveness with long-term roster planning, considering their top-two protected first-round pick is owned by Charlotte, reducing the incentive to tank.
