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Trade talks are heating up for Anthony Davis, and the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors are emerging as key contenders, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania, who shared the update on “NBA Countdown” this Wednesday.
Charania revealed, “The Mavericks are actively engaging in fresh trade discussions concerning Davis with various interested parties. Leading the pack are Atlanta and Toronto. However, recent insights from my sources suggest that the Mavericks’ asking price has notably decreased compared to a month ago when they were hopeful that Davis’s performance would enhance his market value.”
The 32-year-old Davis is currently sidelined due to ligament damage in his left hand. Fortunately, he received positive news on Tuesday, confirming that surgery won’t be necessary.
Despite this, Davis’s persistent injury woes have complicated the Mavericks’ efforts to secure a favorable trade.
Charania elaborated, “The Mavericks face a challenging decision following Davis’s groin injury in late December, compounded by the more severe hand injury now.”
“Are we content with potentially expiring contracts, essentially cleaning out our salary books, getting rid of Anthony Davis’ contract, maybe getting a draft pick and then fully rebuilding around Cooper Flagg with clean salary books.”
The Hawks already have made one major in-season trade in recent days, sending Trae Young to the Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert last week.
Charania said the other option for Dallas would be to give it another go with Kyrie Irving, Davis and company.
Davis is expected to be out six weeks after he suffered an injury late in the Mavericks’ 116-114 loss to the Jazz last Thursday.
He has appeared in just 29 regular season games since he was traded to the Mavs in a blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers last February.
He has averaged 20.4 points per game over 20 contests this season.
