Atlanta Hawks consider blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis
The Atlanta Hawks are navigating one of the most arduous schedules in the NBA, grappling with logistical challenges that have included 15 road games against only 10 at home. This week alone, they faced two back-to-back matchups that required travel. Compounding their difficulties, the team has been without star point guard Trae Young and center Kristaps Porzingis for several games during this stretch.
Despite a recent three-game losing skid, where they fell in two contests by a mere combined total of two points, the Hawks managed to secure a much-needed victory against the Washington Wizards. With this win, they now have a respite until their next game on Friday night. The Hawks came into the season with considerable hype fueled by their offseason acquisitions, yet a glimpse of their complete potential has been elusive due to Young’s injury, which occurred on October 29.
Emerging Stars and Current Standing
In the absence of Young, Jalen Johnson has emerged as a standout performer, enjoying what some are calling an All-NBA caliber season. The Hawks currently hold a record of 14-11, positioning them as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
While much of the trade chatter has revolved around Giannis Antetokounmpo, another name is beginning to surface in discussions: Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks. Analysts have pointed to the Hawks as potential suitors for Antetokounmpo should he become available, but the possibility of acquiring Davis has gained traction recently.
Davis as a Trade Target
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Hawks are expected to be serious contenders in the trade market for Davis, alongside teams like the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons. The Mavericks are reportedly open to exploring trades for several players, including Davis, center Daniel Gafford, and guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell.
Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, has engaged in discussions with Mavericks interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi. They have sought clarity on whether the Mavericks intend to extend Davis in the offseason or are considering trading him before the deadline. Finley and Riccardi expressed a desire to keep their options open as they evaluate the team’s performance over the coming weeks, without dismissing the possibility of an extension for the star forward.
The Hawks’ Championship Aspirations
The Pistons, Raptors, and Hawks are all poised to be significant threats in the East, and the addition of a player of Davis’ caliber could be the catalyst needed to elevate any of these teams into serious championship contenders. A 10-time All-Star, Davis turns 33 in March and is eligible to sign a lucrative four-year, $275 million max extension starting August 6. This deal would see him earning $76 million in his age-37 season. If he opts against an extension, he could enter free agency in 2027, declining a player option worth $62.8 million for that offseason.
Will the Hawks Make a Move?
As the trade landscape evolves, the question remains: would Anthony Davis make sense for the Hawks? With the potential to reshape their roster, Atlanta may need to weigh the benefits of acquiring a player of Davis’ stature against the implications for their future. The coming weeks will be telling as the trade deadline approaches and the Hawks assess their options.
