While Nowitzki acknowledged that this latest deal provides the franchise with future financial flexibility, he noted that Dallas likely could have commanded a higher return.

“I think the Mavs fans are happy with this; I think they didn’t want to be reminded of what happened a year ago in the Luka trade,” Nowitzki said on NBA on Prime. “To me, looking at this deal, there’s not a lot that came back in terms of picks or players, so this is all about financial flexibility for the future…”

In the eight-player swap, the Mavericks sent Davis alongside D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum to D.C. In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-rounders.

While many fans are relieved to move on from the veteran big man, Nowitzki admitted he was disappointed the pairing of Davis and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg was cut short. “I’m a little disappointed, obviously. I think when AD actually played with Cooper, they played off each other really well. That was a solid combo, but we’ll never know,” the NBA Hall of Famer added.

Anthony Davis on the Wizards’ potential

The Wizards have struggled to find their footing in recent years, failing to qualify for the postseason since 2021. This season has been no different, as Washington currently sit with a disappointing 14-37 record, effectively ending their playoff aspirations.

However, Davis believes that with a few personnel adjustments, the Wizards could emerge as a force in the Eastern Conference next season. “Obviously, it’s tough right now with the team,” Davis said. “It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces—that can change. It’s year by year. They could be the No. 1 team in the East next year”.

If Davis can remain healthy—a challenge that limited him to just 29 games in Dallas—the Wizards could boast a formidable lineup. A healthy Davis paired with Trae Young and a young core featuring Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson suggests the Wizards could be poised for a significant leap in 2027.

At the same time, Flagg did not overlook the relationships he built in a short span with veterans such as Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum. Following the Mavericks’ game against the San Antonio Spurs, the rookie addressed the emotional side of the trades and the transition the roster went through.

“It was tough,” Flagg said, via Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. “They were all amazing guys to be around, on and off the court. I wish them all the best, and I’m just blessed to be here. Moving forward, whoever is out there on the court with me and the rest of the guys, I’m just looking forward to trying to get better and compete at a really high level.”

“We still had some really great guys here,” Flagg added. “Guys like Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and PJ Washington. We had a really bright future, and we could continue to keep competing and getting better every single day.”

Flagg’s production compared to the all-time greats

Based on how Flagg performed over the following weeks, the Mavericks appeared to be in capable hands despite the turbulence. His rapid development made it clear that surrounding him with the right complementary pieces would be critical, especially as he continued to rewrite rookie benchmarks and carve out a historic start to his career.

On Thursday, Feb. 6, Flagg accepted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for January, an honor he had already claimed in December and October/November. Later that night, he led Dallas against the San Antonio Spurs and former Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, finishing with 32 points. According to the NBA, the No. 1 pick out of Duke became the youngest player in league history to score at least 30 points in four consecutive games.

Flagg also became the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to record four straight games of at least 30 points and five rebounds. With 151 total points over that stretch, he further joined elite company, becoming the first rookie since Allen Iverson in 1997 to reach 150 points across a four-game span, a sign that Dallas’ bold gamble was already yielding a new cornerstone.

“The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Mavericks will receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-round picks,” Charania announced on his X account.

With these notable additions to both rosters, the Mavericks and Wizards are now refining their lineups for the remainder of the season. As they face multiple challenges ahead, which include matchups against various competitors, they are unified by one clear objective on the horizon: securing a spot in the NBA playoffs.

Mavericks’ updated lineup

With four fresh additions to their roster for the remainder of the season, the Mavericks will feature the following updated lineup:

• Ryan Nembhard
• Klay Thompson
• Khris Middleton
• Cooper Flagg
• Dereck Lively II

Wizards’ updated lineup

With Davis joining the squad, the Wizards have made significant adjustments ahead of the remainder of the season. Their updated lineup for the forthcoming challenges includes:

• Trae Young
• Tre Johnson
• Kyshawn George
• Anthony Davis
• Alex Sarr

According to Marc Stein, the Warriors will face challenges if they pursue Davis. The Toronto Raptors remain interested in Davis, and any trade package would likely include a combination of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl, along with RJ Barrett.

“Sources say Toronto is among the teams that has maintained trade interest in Davis, but any firm offer that the Raptors make is expected to be built around the contract of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl alongside RJ Barrett in a Davis deal. Even if the Raptors proved willing to attach a future first-round pick to those contracts, such a deal would provide scant financial relief for Dallas,” Stein reported.

Any of these players could provide value to the Mavericks. Quickley is a versatile point guard who can score at all three levels while creating opportunities for teammates. He could step in as the team’s starter while waiting for Kyrie Irving’s return and later serve as a high-level backup, which could benefit both sides.

The Davis situation

The Mavericks’ star sustained ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Jazz. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair the injury and will be sidelined for several months.

The Warriors and other interested teams

Amid ongoing trade rumors, the latest injury report initially seemed to pause speculation regarding Davis’ future. However, Charania noted that the Mavericks have reportedly resumed trade talks with multiple interested teams. If Davis is moved to a playoff contender, his return timeline could allow him to rejoin during the postseason.

Alongside the Warriors, the Atlanta Hawks have reportedly emerged as serious contenders, with the Raptors also among the foremost NBA teams pursuing Davis, according to Charania. The Warriors’ trade package may not be as favorable, creating a challenge in negotiations.

Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Mooses Moody, and a first-round pick are reportedly the core pieces the Warriors are prepared to offer, following the precedent set in discussions regarding Michael Porter Jr., though equivalent parameters would need to be met in any Davis trade.

The Mavericks’ star sustained ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Jazz. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair the damage and will be sidelined for several months.

Amidst ongoing trade rumors, it initially seemed that this latest injury report would put an end to all speculation regarding Davis’ future. However, Charania noted that the Mavericks have reportedly renewed trade talks with multiple interested teams. If moved to a playoff contender, Davis’ return timeline could allow him to rejoin the action during the postseason.

“Fascinating development: The Mavericks are having renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams, sources said. If moved to a playoff contender, the return timeline could allow Davis to return during the postseason while establishing himself for the long-term elsewhere,” Charania posted on his X account.

Davis’ tenure in Dallas has been underwhelming. Despite averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 20 games this NBA season, he has made more headlines for his physical setbacks than his on-court performance. Since joining the team, he has missed 42 games while appearing in only 29, and it appears his time with the Mavericks has reached its conclusion following the injury in Utah.

Davis breaks silence on the issue

Amidst bombshell reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania regarding a potential season-ending surgery and subsequent trade, the Dallas Mavericks’ big man took to social media to address the rumors head-on.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davis delivered a blunt, single-sentence message to the public: “Yall better stop listening to all these lies on these apps!” The pointed response suggests that one—or perhaps both—of the major reports regarding his health and his future in Dallas may not be entirely accurate.

According to NBA sources cited by Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal, the Mavericks are prioritizing the return of at least one impactful young player in any Anthony Davis trade discussions. Among the names drawing interest from Dallas are Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga and Atlanta Hawks wing Zaccharie Risacher, signaling the Mavericks’ desire to reset around youth and long-term upside.

A deal sending Davis to Golden State is considered unlikely. The Warriors are reportedly unwilling to part with core pieces such as Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, limiting their flexibility in serious negotiations. Financial considerations also loom large, as Davis is eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August and is earning $54.1 million this season, with his salary set to rise in the coming years.

Despite that, the Warriors are widely viewed as a team in need of roster changes. Jonathan Kuminga’s inconsistent performances, dating back to the postseason, have made him a recurring trade candidate. Golden State has explored moving him in search of a roster upgrade to help Curry win an NBA championship, and his name continues to surface in potential trade frameworks across the league.

The Hawks as another interested team

The Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a more realistic potential trade destination for Davis. To make the salaries work, Atlanta could construct a package including Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Asa Newell, giving Dallas both immediate rotation pieces and future flexibility as they reshape their roster.

From an on-court perspective, Davis is averaging 20.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks through 17 games this NBA season. While his production remains strong when available, durability continues to be a concern. Outside of the 76 games he played in the 2023–24 season with the Lakers, he has not reached 62 games in a single season since 2018–19.

That ongoing injury history weighs heavily on any trade evaluation. For teams considering a major move, Davis’ availability in critical moments is a central question, one that could ultimately determine whether a blockbuster deal materializes or whether franchises choose a more cautious path forward.

According to the latest official NBA injury report for Saturday, December 27, the Mavericks have ruled out Davis due to right adductor soreness, for tonight’s matchup in Sacramento.

Davis gave the Dallas faithful a major scare during a Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors. Early in the second quarter, the 10-time All-Star abruptly stopped during a fast break and limped directly to the bench clutching his groin.

After being evaluated in the locker room by the team’s medical staff, he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the contest with what the team described as groin spasms.

While the “questionable” tag offered a glimmer of hope for tonight’s tip-off, reports suggested a more cautious timeline. ESPN’s Shams Charania indicated Friday that Davis is dealing with a minor groin strain and is expected to miss a few games, with the team likely to prioritize his long-term health.

Mavericks’ season not going as planned

The 2025-26 campaign has not gone as planned for Dallas. Despite the high-profile addition of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks sit at 12-20 on the year, largely due to a revolving door of injuries. Davis has been the centerpiece of those concerns, appearing in just 16 of the team’s 32 games so far.

The Mavs enter tonight’s contest severely shorthanded, already missing Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum, all of whom are out with long-term injuries. Brandon Williams (calf) is listed as doubtful, while rookie Moussa Cisse is also questionable.

Kings face their own depth crisis

Fortunately for Dallas, the Sacramento Kings (7-23) are also decimated. The Kings will be without three of their primary starters tonight, as Domantas Sabonis (knee), Zach LaVine (ankle), and Keegan Murray (calf) have all been ruled out. Backup big man Drew Eubanks also remains sidelined, leaving Sacramento with a paper-thin frontcourt.

Shams Charania reported that this time it is a “minor setback.” The issue is not just this particular injury, but a series of physical problems that continue to interrupt Davis’ rhythm. The forward has struggled to find consistency this season, posting numbers below his usual standards when fully healthy.

Davis is expected to miss a “few games”, according to Charania. While the term suggests only a short absence, Davis’s history with recurring injuries makes the situation unpredictable.

The groin has flared up again, forcing Davis to sit out an undefined number of games. His groin had been mostly problem-free since April, though he missed several matches in the first quarter of the year due to the same issue. Earlier this season, his absences were mainly related to calf problems, causing him to miss 16 of the Mavericks’ 32 games so far.

What happened to Davis during the game?

While sprinting on a fast break in the second quarter on Thursday, Davis suddenly stopped, clutching his groin as a pass from Naji Marshall sailed out of bounds. Grimacing in pain, Davis walked to the Dallas bench and was evaluated by the team’s medical staff during the timeout before limping to the locker room.

He did not return to the bench and was ruled out at the start of the second half due to right groin spasms. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd did not provide an update on Davis after the game.

Davis’ numbers so far

Before Thursday’s matchup, Davis had scored over 30 points in two consecutive games. He posted 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in the Mavericks’ win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.

Davis missed significant time last NBA season with groin and abdomen injuries and has appeared in only 16 of Dallas’ 32 games this season. In those appearances, he is averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.

Both stars appear on the injury report with minor setbacks, but early expectations suggest they could suit up — though final confirmation will only come during pregame warmups. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is listed as probable with a left wrist sprain. The Nuggets star has played through similar discomfort in the past, and unless he suffers a late setback, he is expected to be available.

For Dallas, Anthony Davis (left calf injury management) is also listed as probable. The veteran big has been closely monitored throughout the NBA season, yet signs point toward him being active tonight, pending the team’s final medical review.

Seeing both players on the court would undoubtedly elevate the spectacle, especially considering the battle that could develop in the paint — a clash of giants defined by strength, intelligence, skill, and elite versatility on both sides.

Jokic’s dominant numbers

Jokic enters the matchup averaging 28.9 points, 12.4 rebounds and 10.9 assists, keeping himself firmly in the MVP conversation yet again. His duel with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the league’s top individual honor could resurface throughout the season, and even stars such as LeBron James already recognize Jokic as the most dominant player in the league.

Davis’ return not as positive

Davis returned from a 14-game absence due to a calf injury on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, but he sat out the second night of the back-to-back for the Mavericks against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

In his return vs the Lakers, Davis played just under 29 minutes, scoring 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting while adding five rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The star forward has only appeared in six games this season, averaging 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 52.9 percent from the field.

According to Jamal Collier of ESPN, the Chicago Bulls are setting their sights on Davis. “The Bulls have had internal discussions about how to proceed, including conversations about Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis,” Collier reported.

Collier also revealed that the Bulls have already evaluated how Davis could bolster their roster, particularly on defense. “They believe that Davis could help the team’s porous rim protection and defensive interior,” wrote Collier.

Regarding the rumors, Anthony Davis shared his perspective through a major statement after making a return from injury. Given this context, the rumors involving Davis may hint at the Mavericks’ strategy for the rest of the regular season, as they currently hold a 6-15 record.

Davis’ potential fit within the Bulls

Defense has been a major talking point for the Bulls. Although they have prioritized defensive rebounds this season—ranking 11th in the league with a 74% success rate—they lack a crucial piece to improve their effective field goal percentage (eFG%), which is currently at .537, placing them 13th in the league.

Adding Davis could significantly enhance this aspect of their game, though several challenges remain. One primary concern is Davis’s injury history. If Chicago manages this effectively, Davis could potentially elevate its metrics and contribute to improving its 9-10 record.

Mavs’ reported strategy involving Flagg and Irving

With speculation that Davis is a top candidate for departure from the Mavericks, other rumors are also circulating about the team’s strategy for the rest of the season.

As per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, discussions among executives suggest the Mavericks could be planning to build a new team around Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. Consequently, not only might Davis be available for trade, but players like Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Max Christie, among others, could also be on the block.

It is an important game for the Mavericks, especially with Davis set to make his return to the lineup after dealing with a calf injury. His expected primary defender, DeAndre Ayton, is also back for the Lakers after missing an NBA game due to his own injury issue. Following the Lakers’ Friday morning shootaround, Ayton spoke candidly about the challenge of guarding Davis, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. His remarks reflected both respect and strategic awareness.

“You don’t want to foul him. AD is a great shot-maker. It takes the whole team to guard him,” Ayton said. “You treat him like a Giannis Antetokounmpo, you treat him like Nikola Jokic, like all the other superstars in this league where you need the whole team to be a presence in front of them. Try to throw two at him if anything. One man can’t really guard him.” His comments highlighted the level of collective effort required to slow a player of Davis’ caliber.

Ayton continued to explain the defensive approach the Lakers must adopt if they want to limit Davis’ effectiveness. “Try to throw two at him as much as possible, try to get the ball out of his hands early, not let him get to his spots,” he said. “He’s gonna face up and get to the mid-range, try not to foul him. Give him hard looks. He’s gonna do his thing, but just try your best to give him hard looks and get the ball out of his hands. I love to compete. Competing is fun, and seeing him out there is going to bring another competitive type of spirit.” His statements reflected both respect and anticipation for the individual battle.

Both players are dealing with uncertainty ahead of the matchup

Anthony Davis has been limited to only five games this season for the Mavericks due to lingering injuries. On the other side, Ayton has taken over as the Lakers’ starting center after the team moved on from Davis, solidifying his place in the rotation. He missed the Lakers’ win against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier in the week but clarified that his knee issue was not expected to be a long-term concern.

“It was just a little bruising, really. Stuff I could play through,” Ayton explained. “It’s not really something stopping me from playing. It hurts, but it’s something I can play through. Shootaround went pretty smoothly as well — I didn’t have any knick-knacks or uncomfortableness.” His comments suggested he was prepared to take on the physical challenge Davis would bring to the matchup.

Ayton has delivered solid production for the Lakers this season, averaging 15.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. However, the overall impact he provides does not match the level Anthony Davis once delivered for the Lakers. For that reason, Ayton’s remark that the Lakers have “been missing that interior presence for a long time” did not paint the full picture.