Dallas Mavericks superstar Anthony Davis has recently been one of the primary names mentioned in trade rumors around the league. With Nico Harrison’s dismissal laying the groundwork for potential personnel changes, rumors suggest that the Mavericks could be considering a complete roster overhaul to start from scratch.
At the current juncture, Anthony Davis has been linked with several teams. From Western Conference powerhouses such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors to his preferred destination, the Chicago Bulls, there appears to be some market for the big man.
Given that there is genuine potential in the Mavericks parting with Davis this season, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley presented a trade scenario that would allow the Mavs to offload the star and bring in the necessary assets to structure their rebuild. Here’s Buckley’s trade proposal:
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick (MIL), 2031 second-round pick (DAL)
This deal seems to benefit both teams on paper. On this note, we examine the impact of this trade on both teams in greater detail.
The Mavericks Come Away With Several Assets
Buckley’s trade proposal seems geared to help the Dallas Mavericks kickstart their rebuild. By trading Anthony Davis, the Mavericks come away with several assets, including two first-round picks and two second-round picks, to help build up their depleted draft reserves.
Along with the valuable draft picks, the Mavericks would also be adding some impressive players. With the likes of Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart joining the team, Dallas could see immediate benefit from this trade.
Harris could be considered a worthwhile addition for multiple reasons. As a player, the veteran forward is capable of being an offensive contributor. With averages of 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 39.4% shooting this season, the 33-year-old is capable of strengthening the scoring off the bench or even being a reliable presence in the starting lineup.
While Dallas may see merit in his addition as a player, they will see more value in his status as an expiring contract. Currently set to have a cap hit of $26.6 million this season, the Mavs, as a rebuilding team, would only benefit from the cap flexibility they would gain next summer from acquiring him.
Along with Harris, the Mavericks would also be acquiring a talented young point guard in Jaden Ivey, along with a strong big man option in Isaiah Stewart.
Buckley noted that Ivey, when healthy, could be a solid upgrade in the point guard position. Considering that he is averaging 16.7 points and 4.4 assists per game on 42.9% shooting from the field this season, along with rumors of Detroit looking to trade him, he could be a strong addition to the core next to Cooper Flagg.
Meanwhile, Stewart, who is averaging 11.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season, could also be a valuable addition to the big man rotation, though he may find himself playing a lesser role due to Dallas’ existing frontcourt depth.
On this note, Buckley stated that the 24-year-old may simply become a trade piece along with the other Mavericks’ veterans once they undergo a rebuild.
Do The Pistons Benefit From Anthony Davis’ Addition?
For the Detroit Pistons, acquiring Anthony Davis may have significant benefits, though with some inherent risks involved.
Davis, when healthy, remains one of the best two-way players in the league. Along with being a versatile offensive presence, capable of scoring at will in most situations, the 10-time All-Star routinely contributes as a defensive anchor and rim protector.
In five appearances this season, Anthony Davis is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on 52.0% shooting from the field.
As the top-seeded team in the East with an 11-2 record, the Pistons already look like a more competitive unit compared to last season. In this regard, Davis’ addition to the roster could cement their status as a title contender this season.
The notion of pairing Anthony Davis with Cade Cunningham is truly exciting. Given Cunningham’s elite playmaking ability, especially in pick-and-roll sets, along with Davis’ versatility, the Pistons could boast a formidable core.
When also factoring in how reliable Jalen Duren has been on the defensive end, by adding Davis next to him, Detroit could significantly boost its frontcourt and interior defense.
Acquiring Anthony Davis May Be Too Big A Risk
While there are several benefits for the Pistons, Anthony Davis’ health and propensity for injury remain a risk. In many ways, such an acquisition may be viewed as a double-edged sword. Given the position the Pistons are in to start the season, a decision of this magnitude would have a colossal impact on their future.
Davis’ health has repeatedly been cited as a cause for concern from teams around the league. With recent reports from the Lakers suggesting that his poor conditioning was a reason to part with the superstar, Davis’ current physical state may also deter teams from developing an interest in acquiring him.
Anthony Davis’ future remains largely uncertain at this stage. While the star could be on the trade block if the Mavericks decide to blow it all up, there have been reports indicating that Dallas may choose to retain him.
If trade value is to be considered, it would seem that Davis would stand to gain more interest by returning to full strength and improving his conditioning. With a recent update presenting some optimism about his timeline for a return, the Mavericks will hope to see their superstar in action sooner rather than later.
