Hawks Consider Anthony Davis in Potential Blockbuster Trade
The NBA trade landscape is buzzing, with Giannis Antetokounmpo commanding much of the attention. Yet, lurking in the shadows is Anthony Davis, the Mavericks forward/center whose name has recently surfaced among potential trade targets. While the Atlanta Hawks have been primarily linked to a deal for Antetokounmpo, recent insights suggest they are also eyeing Davis as a significant addition to their roster.
Emergence of the Hawks as Contenders
In a revelation that has caught many by surprise, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Hawks are emerging as serious contenders to acquire Davis, joining the ranks of the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons in the race for the 10-time All-Star. The Mavericks, currently weighing their options, are open to exploring the trade market for Davis, alongside center Daniel Gafford and guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell.
Davis’s agent, Rich Paul, who heads Klutch Sports, has met with Mavericks interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi to discuss the franchise’s intentions regarding Davis’s future. The duo conveyed that they are keeping their options open, monitoring the team’s performance closely over the coming weeks, and have not dismissed the possibility of extending the star forward’s contract.
Aiming for Championship Aspirations
As the Hawks, Pistons, and Raptors each vie for Davis’s services, they each represent formidable threats in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks, with a current record of 14-11, are hopeful that acquiring a player of Davis’s caliber could elevate them into genuine championship contention. The Pistons (19-5) and Raptors (15-10) share similar aspirations, believing that Davis’s unique skill set can help transform their playoff hopes.
Davis, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday in March, is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million max extension beginning on August 6. This lucrative deal would see him earning $76 million in his age-37 season. If he chooses not to extend with the Mavericks, he could enter free agency in 2027, should he decline his $62.8 million player option for that season.
Potential Trade Scenarios for the Hawks
So, what would it take for the Hawks to secure one of the league’s premier players? Here are three potential trade scenarios that could see Davis donning Atlanta’s colors:
1. The Hawks could offer Kristaps Porzingis, promising young player Zaccharie Risacher, and two top-three protected first-round picks in 2029 and 2031. This package would not only strengthen the Mavericks’ future but also provide the Hawks with the star power they need to make a deep playoff run.
As the trade deadline approaches, the situation surrounding Davis and his potential move to the Hawks is one to watch closely. With both sides looking to solidify their futures, this trade could reshape the landscape of the Eastern Conference.
