Mavericks and Raptors engaged in discussions regarding Anthony Davis trade.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Dallas Mavericks are engaged in their most active trade discussions regarding Anthony Davis with the Toronto Raptors, although sources informed ESPN that no agreement is close to being finalized.
Mavs governor Patrick Dumont has reportedly reiterated internally that he does not feel compelled to trade Davis before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, according to sources.
The Mavericks have been assessing the market for the 32-year-old Davis since the dismissal of former general manager Nico Harrison in early November, a move Dumont made largely in response to fan discontent following last year’s trade that sent perennial MVP contender Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a package centered around Davis.
Currently, interim co-GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi are overseeing the Mavs’ basketball operations while ownership evaluates potential candidates for Harrison’s permanent successor.
Additionally, the Mavericks have been in talks with several teams regarding center Daniel Gafford, sources indicate.
Over the past few months, the Raptors and Atlanta Hawks have been the most actively involved teams in discussions with Dallas concerning Davis, according to sources. Conversations with the Hawks have stalled, although there is an expectation that Atlanta may present an offer centered on expiring contracts as the deadline approaches.
Should a trade with Toronto come to fruition, the Mavericks would need to absorb substantial salaries extending into the next season and beyond, prompting Dallas to prioritize draft assets in these negotiations.
Davis, who has been out due to a hand injury since early January, is averaging 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds across 20 games this season.
The Mavericks (19-31) entered Wednesday amidst a five-game losing streak and are positioned 12th in the Western Conference, trailing the 10th-place Portland Trail Blazers (23-28) by 3.5 games.
Conversely, the Raptors (30-21) are actively competing in the Eastern Conference playoff race and entered Wednesday tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for fourth place.
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