The Dallas Mavericks have opened the NBA season in disappointing fashion, struggling with a wave of injuries and, more importantly, failing to manage the situation with any real consistency. Since the departure of Nico Harrison, the franchise has been looking to reset its direction, beginning with decisions surrounding Anthony Davis while taking a more patient approach with Kyrie Irving.
Superstars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving were quickly identified as central pieces in potential trade discussions. While early reports offered mixed signals about how the Mavericks planned to address their star core, a new update from insider Marc Stein has added clearer context to Dallas’ strategy.
According to Stein, the Mavericks remain open to listening to offers for Anthony Davis. However, he emphasized that Dallas does not share the same level of interest when it comes to entertaining trade proposals for Kyrie Irving.
“League sources say that the Mavericks still intend to field any trade interest in Davis that emerges over the next two-plus months … with the prospect of an actual trade obviously dependent on offer quality,” Stein wrote in his latest report.
While acknowledging Davis’ limited availability this season due to injury, Stein added, “Sources say that the Mavericks, by contrast, are not encouraging trade inquiries for Kyrie Irving, who remains out indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery in late March. Already vibing nicely with prized rookie Cooper Flagg in practice settings, Irving is a player they hope to keep.”
The numbers behind a healthy Anthony Davis
Davis has increasingly become viewed as a moveable piece, largely because his frequent absences have prevented the Mavericks from maximizing his value on the court. With a deep frontcourt and an evolving roster, Dallas may not feel the same level of loss if they decide to part ways with him. Given his injury history and current unavailability, the franchise could benefit more from a trade than from continuing to wait for his return.
But when healthy, Anthony Davis remains one of the NBA’s dominant forces. Averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on 52.0% shooting from the field, Davis continues to prove why he is considered one of the best two-way big men in the league.