Shams Charania Sets Record Straight on Mavs’ Stance With Anthony Davis Trade Talks

The Mavericks cut ties with general manager Nico Harrison last week.

The Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis last season in the shocking Luka Dončić trade | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

When the Mavericks parted ways with controversial general manager Nico Harrison, the NBA world assumed the franchise would look to pick up the pieces from the fallout of last season’s shocking trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers.

Despite the public backlash and outcry following the move, the Mavs looked good with Anthony Davis following the deal, although he’s missed plenty of time as his injury troubles continue in Dallas. The franchise found massive luck in the NBA draft lottery when they were awarded the No. 1 pick and this year’s top prize in coveted prospect Cooper Flagg.

Flagg’s arrival paired with injuries to star guard Kyrie Irving and Davis begged a massive question: will Harrison’s departure bring the Mavs to a full rebuild? Should a full-fledged rebuild become the case, finding a trade for Davis makes sense as his timeline doesn’t come close to aligning with Flagg’s.

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania spoke about the Mavs’ potential willingness to deal Davis this year following Harrison’s departure.

“This franchise is moving away from Nico Harrison’s three-to-four year championship window and toward trying to find sustained success and sustained growth around Cooper Flagg and youth,” Charania said Wednesday on NBA Countdown. “And to that end, sources have told ESPN that the Mavericks will be listening to trade calls for Anthony Davis and seeing and exploring his value.”

On the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis for ESPN NBA Countdown: pic.twitter.com/RkREx0cbVo

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 20, 2025

Charania’s report contradicts minority owner Mark Cuban’s recent comments surrounding a potential Davis trade. According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, Cuban is directly involved as an adviser to owner Patrick Dumont and told The Athletic in an email that no such trade would be occurring as the Mavs “want to try to win.”

The NBA’s trade deadline falls on Feb. 5 and based on Charania's reporting, Dallas may listen to calls surrounding Davis despite Cuban’s comments. The Mavs are off to a dreadful 4-11 start to the season as Davis has been sidelined since Oct. 29 due to a calf strain.

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