Oct 29, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) exchanges words with Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd as Davis walks off the court during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks are confronting a significant decision regarding their roster as they navigate the early part of the season. Following a narrow 107-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers, star player Anthony Davis sustained a leg injury that will sideline him for their upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City. This injury marks another setback for Davis, who has participated in only 14 of the 38 games since the Mavericks traded for him last season, raising questions about his long-term fit with the franchise.
Davis, now 32 years old and in his 14th NBA season, has struggled with durability throughout his career. He has played more than 62 games in a season only once since turning 24. The Mavericks have recently added promising 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg, which could complicate Davis’s future with the team. With Flagg potentially serving as a foundational player, the Mavericks might benefit from exploring a trade that could shift the team’s direction.
Flagg, who stands at 6-foot-9, has shown potential as a natural power forward, a position where Davis currently plays despite his reluctance to take on the center role. The age gap between the two—nearly 14 years—highlights a mismatch in timelines. While veteran mentorship is invaluable, the Mavericks already have substantial experience on their roster, including five players with over a decade in the league.
Davis recently indicated a sense of urgency regarding his career. In an interview with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, he remarked, “We want [Flagg] to go out here and just play basketball. He’ll have pressure three, four, or five years from now when we all probably going to be out [of] the league.” As Davis’s contract, valued at over $175 million, nears its conclusion in three years, the Mavericks face a pivotal moment.
Trade Considerations for the Mavericks
The Mavericks’ surprising win in the draft lottery allowed them the opportunity to select Flagg, a chance to reset their franchise’s trajectory. With Davis aging and increasingly prone to injuries, trading him to a team that is closer to contention could be beneficial. His skills as a defensive player remain valuable, particularly for title contenders such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, who possess formidable frontcourts.
Despite the potential benefits, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison faces pressure following the backlash from the controversial trade involving Luka Doncic. Fans have expressed their discontent with chants of “Fire Nico!” at games. The decision to trade Davis would implicitly acknowledge that the Doncic deal was a misstep, complicating the management’s willingness to make such a move.
The Mavericks have depth in their frontcourt, featuring players like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, along with recently-extended forward P.J. Washington. Yet even with Davis on the roster, concerns about ball handling and perimeter shooting hinder the team’s chances of contending this season. Each game Davis misses only diminishes his trade value, complicating the Mavericks’ situation further.
Recent reports indicated that Davis reported to training camp overweight and out of shape following offseason eye surgery. This has raised questions about his commitment and fitness, aspects that Harrison previously criticized in Doncic. With an Achilles injury already cropping up in October, doubts about Davis’s ability to remain healthy throughout the season are growing.
As the Mavericks weigh their options, the future remains uncertain. While trading Davis could align with a long-term vision centered around young talent like Flagg, it may be Harrison’s pride that ultimately prevents such a significant move. The franchise must decide whether to embrace a transition phase or continue with a veteran core that may not be able to deliver the desired results.
