As the Dallas Mavericks continue to explore the trade market for superstar forward Anthony Davis, interested contenders should note that Davis will be seeking a contract extension with his new team.
Anthony Davis In First Year Of Current Deal
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Wednesday that “there is an expectation in some corners… that Davis and his representation at Klutch Sports will seek a contract extension from a new team if he indeed gets dealt.”
Per Spotrac, Davis is currently playing on the first year of the three-year, $175 million deal he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers prior to last February’s trade to Dallas.
In addition to Davis earning $54.12 million this season, his contract includes a $58.4 million cap hit for 2026-27 and a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.
Stein noted that the first year of any extension Davis signed would be worth more than $70 million.
Not Many Trade Suitors For Davis
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported last week that the return for Davis would likely be similar to what the Phoenix Suns received for Kevin Durant, which included role players and draft picks but not multiple first-rounders.
Bontemps added that several of his sources “struggled to produce a deep list of suitors for Davis.”
The Mavericks are expected to move Davis via a midseason trade now that former general manager Nico Harrison is no longer with the franchise.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported on Nov. 19 that Dallas is expected to “explore the trade market for Davis” shortly after the firing of Harrison.
Injuries Could Be Deterring Teams
Davis’ injury history is another thing stopping teams from cutting a deal with the Mavericks for the 10-time All-Star. He played in only nine regular-season games for Dallas last season.
The 6-foot-10 Davis was recovering from an abdominal injury at the time of the trade and strained his adductor in his Mavs debut. He missed six weeks because of that adductor injury.
During the offseason, Davis also underwent a procedure to repair a detached retina that he suffered near the end of the 2024-25 season. He sustained the right eye injury in Dallas’ 120-118 win over the Atlanta Hawks on April 2.
Davis is currently sidelined with a left calf strain.
Overall, Davis has appeared in just 14 games for the Mavs since that trade deal.
Through five appearances this season, Davis is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 29.8 minutes per outing while shooting 52% from the field and 74.2% from the foul line.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5.
