A blockbuster three-team trade proposal by Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report has sparked fresh debate in NBA circles, as it imagines a scenario that would send Anthony Davis back home to Chicago. The deal, while speculative, presents a major shake-up across three franchises, each with different motives, timelines, and ambitions.
Chicago Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis and Gary Harris
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Jonathan Isaac, a 2028 first-round pick from Chicago, a 2029 first-round pick swap from Chicago, and a top-five-protected 2030 first-round pick from Chicago
Orlando Magic Receive: Nikola Vucevic and a top-50-protected 2025 second-round pick from Dallas (via Philadelphia)
Why The Bulls Should Do It?
For Chicago, this move would finally deliver the long-rumored homecoming of Anthony Davis. The Bulls, post-Zach LaVine, have found clarity in their backcourt with Coby White and Josh Giddey forming a surprisingly potent duo.
After the All-Star break, Giddey nearly averaged a triple-double while White lit up defenses with 24.5 points per game.
Adding Davis to that core would bring a top-tier interior presence who could anchor the defense and open up offensive lanes with his rim gravity. It’s a hefty price: two starters and three future picks, but for a team looking to vault into the top tier of the East, it may be worth it.
The Mavericks May Consider This Trade To Complete A Reset
For Dallas, this trade would signal a formal end to the Luka Doncic era and perhaps an admission of defeat. Nico Harrison has already come under fire for trading Doncic for Davis in the first place, especially after a disastrous end to the 2024–25 season.
The Mavericks finished 10th in the West and were bounced in the play-in by the Memphis Grizzlies, despite a 40-point effort from Davis, who hobbled to the bench late as cameras cut straight to a visibly distressed Harrison.
This trade might not be the redemption fans are seeking, but it gives Dallas a clearer path forward. With Kyrie Irving likely sidelined until January due to a torn ACL, the Mavericks lack the firepower to compete in the West. I
Instead, they would acquire financial flexibility with Isaac, Collins, and Huerter, all either on expiring deals or partially guaranteed contracts. The draft capital from Chicago adds long-term value and could help reposition the franchise for a more balanced rebuild.
The Magic Get A Valuable Veteran To Back Up Their Stars
As for Orlando, they give up two oft-injured pieces in Gary Harris and Jonathan Isaac in exchange for a returning veteran center in Nikola Vucevic.
While Vucevic may not be the long-term answer at age 35, his offensive skill set: spacing, playmaking, and shooting, could be the exact ingredient the Magic need to complement Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
His familiarity with the franchise also makes this a relatively low-risk acquisition, especially for fringe playoff contention in a loaded East.
While the Mavericks are unlikely to give up on Davis just yet, especially given how hard he played through injury, the idea isn’t completely absurd.
If Harrison wants to reset and regain credibility, turning AD into flexible assets and picks might be the most logical path. For Chicago, it’s a rare shot at a superstar big who could transform them immediately. And for Orlando, it’s a calculated bet on fit over potential. In classic trade fashion, this one has something for everyone.
