The buzz surrounding Anthony Davis is heating up, and it’s stirring quite a pot of discussion among basketball fans! The Atlanta Hawks have faced considerable struggles over the past month, particularly with their defense performing poorly. As this season continues to falter, whispers of potential roster changes are growing louder in an attempt to reinvigorate the team’s performance.
Earlier this month, I explored possible scenarios involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and trades with both the Knicks and the Hawks. Now, however, it seems that Anthony Davis has emerged as the latest hot topic in trade rumors, according to NBA insider Marc Stein's recent insights shared on his Substack last Sunday.
The Dallas Mavericks are off to a tumultuous start this season, holding a record of 12-22, which significantly diminishes their playoff hopes in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. Davis has struggled to stay on the court, having not played more than five consecutive games for his new team due to ongoing issues, including a current groin injury. Compounding the situation, he has a hefty salary that could exceed $175 million over the next three seasons if he opts into his player option for 2027-28.
Despite these challenges, Davis continues to be regarded as an All-Star caliber player when he's at full strength, showcasing elite defensive skills and rebounding abilities. For the Hawks, acquiring him could fill a critical gap in their lineup—assuming, of course, that he can manage to avoid further injuries.
The question now is: How far is Atlanta willing to go to secure Davis? Chris Haynes has noted that Trae Young is unlikely to be part of any trade deal, which poses some financial hurdles for a franchise that isn’t typically known for big spending.
Davis’s contract includes a staggering $58.5 million owed next season, and he is keen to negotiate an extension in August when he becomes eligible—whether that’s with the Mavericks or with whatever team might procure him before then. Young, meanwhile, has a $49 million player option set for the 2026-27 season, leading to increasing speculation across the league that the Hawks are more open than ever to trading him. However, a pressing concern looms: What ramifications would a trade have on their payroll if they don’t move Young and he opts into his contract? Can the Hawks realistically pursue Davis this winter without losing Young at the same time?
It seems improbable.
Yet, the Hawks appear to be the most serious contenders for Davis at this point, especially with just under six weeks remaining until the February 5 trade deadline. There’s also growing belief that Atlanta is willing to consider parting with Zaccharie Risacher under the right circumstances, as the former No. 1 overall draft pick from just 18 months ago hasn’t progressed as anticipated. While they may package Risacher along with the expiring contracts of Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard in a bid for Davis, it remains unclear how much additional draft capital they would be ready or able to include to persuade the Mavericks to trade Davis mid-season.
To clarify, Jalen Johnson and the unprotected first-round pick from New Orleans in 2026—acquired to assist the Pelicans in selecting Derik Queen—are generally viewed as untouchable assets from the Hawks’ perspective.
What are your thoughts? Would you be willing to trade Zaccharie Risacher to acquire Anthony Davis, or do you think his injury history makes him too risky to trust? Let’s hear your opinions in the comments below!
