NBA Rumors: Anthony Davis is left with two fewer suitors

All signs point to the Dallas Mavericks having to deal with Anthony Davis for longer than desired. It has been reported that his agent, Rich Paul, has demanded a trade to get the player out of Texas, a request that currently seems to have no real traction in the market.

According to insider Jake Fischer, the two franchises that were recently considered the most interested in acquiring Davis —the Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks— have taken a step back. In recent days, both teams have indicated that they are no longer engaged in significant discussions with the Mavericks for the center. Thus, Dallas is left without clear counterparts for a potential departure of Davis, a situation that complicates any short-term move forward.

The shadow of Nico Harrison continues to loom over the Texan franchise. The former general manager, now dismissed, was responsible for what many consider the most criticized trade in recent NBA history, sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis.

Since that trade, Anthony Davis has only played 29 out of a possible 80+ games with the Mavericks. Meanwhile, Doncic is having another spectacular season —though hampered by injuries— leading the NBA in scoring with 33.5 points per game and topping the All-Star fan vote.

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A Contract Hindering Any Moves

Dallas would like to close this chapter and move towards a new era led by Cooper Flagg. However, Davis's contract complicates any maneuver. The center has two more seasons remaining, with an average annual salary close to $60 million if he exercises his player option for the 2027-28 season. Additionally, Davis himself aims to sign a lucrative extension.

As for the Hawks, the decision seems clear. The franchise made a significant move this season by trading Trae Young, and now, free from those contractual obligations, they have no intention of taking on another financial commitment the size of Davis's.

Meanwhile, the Raptors have shifted their search for a star center elsewhere, leaving Anthony Davis out of their priorities. With Toronto and Atlanta off the table, Dallas faces an uncomfortable reality: there is currently no market for Anthony Davis, and everything indicates that the Mavericks will have to continue with him, whether they like it or not.