Nico Harrison’s stint as the Dallas Mavericks general manager ended on Tuesday, according to multiple reports, and it could result in Anthony Davis facing a short-lived tenure in Texas.
Acquiring Davis was Harrison’s franchise-altering decision. He didn’t think twice to part ways with the Mavericks’ centerpiece, Luka Doncic, who had led them to a finals appearance eight months before the blockbuster trade.
Nine months after the infamous swap between a 26-year-old Doncic and a 32-year-old aging star in Davis, the move hasn’t yielded the desired results. Davis has played in 14 games for the Mavericks out of 46 since his arrival. Even in those 14 appearances, Davis has been on the floor in five out of eight quarters.
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Doncic’s Lakers are 8-3, and Davis’ Mavericks have the opposite record, 11 games into the 2025-26 NBA season. To make matters worse for Harrison and the Mavericks, Doncic is ascending into his prime, in the best shape of his life, averaging a league-high 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists on 49.1% shooting.
On the other hand, Davis has regressed, tallying 20.8 ppg and 10.2 rpg, playing two fewer games. The concerns aren’t just about his health, but also his conditioning. Davis came into training camp 15 pounds heavier than last year.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Nico Harrison would have never traded Anthony Davis. However, with Harrison out, there’s no guarantee the Mavericks won’t change their stance.
They could focus on rebuilding around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and secure draft capital, as they don’t have control of any between 2026 and 2031.
That said, we look at three blockbuster Anthony Davis trade scenarios leading up to the deadline.
3 Blockbuster Anthony Davis Trade Ideas as Nico Harrison Loses his Job For Infamous Deal
#3 Anthony Davis to Chicago Bulls
Anthony Davis to Bulls trade proposal (Image Source: Imagn) The Bulls could be a dark-horse suitor for hometown star Anthony Davis if they decide to fast-track their progress as a playoff hopeful. They are 6-4 after 10 games, and if they rack up more wins than losses by the trade deadline, a move for Davis might make sense.
They have a solid emerging core, including Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White and Tre Jones. Chicago has the picks that could intrigue Dallas.
The only downside to this deal is the lack of prospects with high upside. Nevertheless, the Mavericks get expiring contracts. So they will have significant cap space next summer.
Davis to the Bulls trade framework:
Bulls receive:
- Anthony Davis
- Brandon Williams
Mavericks receive:
- Nikola Vucevic
- Jevon Carter
- Kevin Huerter
- 2027 first-round pick
- 2029 first-round pick
The Mavericks add first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 through this trade, along with the expiring salaries of Nikola Vucevic, Jevon Carter and Kevin Huerter. They will clear $46.3 million in cap space next summer through this deal.
#2 Anthony Davis to Orlando Magic
Another league-altering trade involving Anthony Davis could come to fruition if the Mavericks and Magic engage in negotiations. The Magic have been one of the biggest letdowns three weeks into the 2025-26 NBA season. They are 5-6 after barely escaping past the Trail Blazers with a Desmond Bane game-winner on Monday.
If the trend continues, the Magic might consider making another big swing in the trade market after spending four firsts on Bane. While Davis hasn’t been at his best, his talent and playoff pedigree are undeniable and could elevate the Magic in a weak Eastern Conference.
Davis to the Magic trade framework:
Magic receive:
Mavericks receive:
- Franz Wagner
- Jonathan Isaac
- 2027 first-round pick
The Mavericks get a younger star to pair with Cooper Flagg in 24-year-old Franz Wagner, along with a solid defender in Jonathan Isaac and a 2027 first. The Magic lose one of their core players, but if they don’t improve, there’s not much point investing in the Wagner and Banchero duo.
#1 Anthony Davis to Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis to Warriors trade proposal (Image Source: Imagn) The biggest potential trade of all could be if the Golden State Warriors get involved in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. He’s one player who has bothered them the most, especially as a Laker.
The Warriors are 6-5 to start the year. Steph Curry’s new co-star, Jimmy Butler, isn’t impacting the game at a level where the Warriors can survive without Curry. Butler is also 36 and injury-prone.
While Davis comes with that label himself, he’s still younger and has been comparatively more available than Butler. He also fills a bigger void than Butler for the Warriors, not just a co-star for Curry, but also as the franchise’s full-time starting center.
A direct swap seems unlikely. So the Suns could be a facilitator due to their past interest in Butler. Davis to the Warriors trade framework:
Warriors receive
Mavericks receive
- Jalen Green
- Grayson Allen
- 2027 first-round pick (via Suns)
- 2028 first-round pick (via Warriors)
Suns receive
- Jimmy Butler
- Brandon Williams
The Mavericks receive a 23-year-old developing talent in Jalen Green and first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts. Though not favorable, those picks could help the Mavericks draft players late in the first round.
The Suns get a new co-star for Devin Booker, one they coveted at the trade deadline and lost to the Warriors. They have an exciting new core with young talent. So the Suns could be a decent team with Butler’s addition.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
www.sportskeeda.com (Article Sourced Website)
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