The Dallas Mavericks are rumored to trade Anthony Davis before the deadline, and one of the teams linked to Davis has reportedly had internal discussions about adding the 10-time All-Star wing.
Chicago Bulls Eyeing Anthony Davis
Per ESPN’s Jamal Collier, “The Bulls have had internal discussions about how to proceed, including conversations about Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, sources told ESPN, whom they believe could help the team’s porous rim protection and defensive interior.”
Collier noted that Chicago still views Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis as its future core, as well as rookie Noa Essengue, the No. 12 pick in the 2025 draft who made his NBA debut on Nov. 22.
From 6-1 to 9-10, what to make of this Chicago Bulls start and where the team goes from here: https://t.co/V9psZeBjua
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) December 1, 2025
Team sources told Collier that the Bulls will not consider trading any members of their young core to acquire such a superstar until the team is closer to contention.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Bulls own their own first-round draft picks for the next seven years and an additional 2026 top-14-protected first from Portland. Chicago can trade up to five firsts and five second-round picks, and could have nearly $70 million in cap room next offseason.
Davis Returned From Calf Injury
Davis, who was born and raised in Chicago, finally made his return from a left calf strain in Dallas’ 129-119 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
Lakers fans gave Davis a loud applause when his name was called during pregame introductions. Friday’s game marked Davis’ first appearance since Oct. 29.
Davis was also playing in his first game in Los Angeles since being traded to Dallas in February.
In the Mavericks’ loss, Davis had 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in 28 minutes of action. He finished 6-of-10 (60%) shooting and didn’t attempt a free throw.
“We weren’t really trying to force anything,” Davis said. “They were kind of double-teaming every time I caught the ball. As soon as I catch it and turn around, it was two guys in my face. I was just trying to make the right play with the pass. The shots [will] come to me when I have an opportunity to score, but the rhythm’s going to get there.”
Since Davis played Friday night, the 32-year-old sat out Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, as the Mavs continue to take a cautious approach with him.
Through six appearances (all starts) this season, Davis is averaging 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 29.7 minutes per contest while shooting 52.9% from the field and 74.2% from the foul line.
Per Spotrac, Davis is currently in the first year of the three-year, $175.36 million max contract extension that he signed with the Lakers in August 2023. His deal includes a $62.78 million player option for 2027-28.
