Anthony Davis trade more likely for Mavericks as 2026 draft class potential grows

The Dallas Mavericks should consider a trade for Anthony Davis with the 2026 NBA Draft class looking like one of the best in league history.

Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis looks on from the bench during a timeout against the Washington Wizards. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks are at a crossroads with Anthony Davis, the premier piece acquired in the Luka Doncic blockbuster trade.

Davis has been on the sidelines as much as he's been on the court for the Mavs, which is a concerning look into the future for the team. That's why Bleacher Report thinks the Mavs should try and trade Davis in a deal that could net multiple first-round picks for the 2026 NBA Draft.

"While Dallas has its 2026 first-round pick, the Charlotte Hornets have the Mavericks' 2027 selection (top-2 protected). With slim odds of keeping that selection, the Mavericks have no incentive for a longer-term rebuild. The franchise can let Kyrie Irving (knee) come back slowly, with a complete focus on a strong 2026-27 return," Bleacher Report wrote.

"Some of the top potential picks in June include Darryn Peterson from Kansas, AJ Dybantsa from BYU, Nate Ament from Tennessee and Cameron Boozer from Duke. Dallas could add a top prospect to Cooper Flagg, setting the foundation for a long, successful run. Instead of banking on the lottery luck it took to land Flagg, the Mavericks increase their odds substantially by embracing a down year."

READ MORE: Cooper Flagg makes NBA history in Mavericks' overtime win over Trail Blazers

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis looks to move the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mavs should look into potential Davis trades

The Mavs lucked into Flagg for the 2025 draft, and there's a chance they could also get the right ping pong balls for 2026. This upcoming draft class is viewed as one of the best of this generation, so the Mavs would be wise to try to get an extra selection or two to build around Flagg.

The team could ride it out with Davis, but their 4-10 start suggests that it may be wiser to move on from Davis and restock for what's coming.

Flagg is the future, and the Mavs need to consider that moving forward.

READ MORE: Mavericks hit the road on second night of back-to-back to play Timberwolves

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