Another major obstacle in a potential Anthony Davis trade is Dallas’ financial positioning, as the Mavericks are actively trying to lower their luxury tax burden and steer clear of the second apron next season, according to Marc Stein.
Dallas is carrying a projected tax bill of roughly $31.9 million this year, a figure driven largely by Davis’ massive $54.1 million salary.
That reality has complicated conversations with interested teams.
The Toronto Raptors continue to surface as a prominent suitor, a point Shams Charania reiterated in his latest reporting, but the structure of a realistic deal creates problems for Dallas.
Any Raptors package for Davis would almost certainly include the long-term contract of RJ Barrett and at least one of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl.
Davis has played 14 seasons for the Pelicans, Lakers, and Mavericks. He has averaged 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 blocks in 807 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 10 All-Star games and has won 1 NBA championship.
Mavericks Notes: Davis, Luxury Tax, Marshall, Christie https://t.co/k1b5EXAPe5 pic.twitter.com/IL2wJWUJTW
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 15, 2026
