The Dallas Mavericks are expected to explore trading Anthony Davis before February’s trade deadline, according to rival teams around the league. Any potential return would likely resemble the Kevin Durant trade to the Houston Rockets rather than the hauls Utah Jazz received for Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in 2022.

A Western Conference scout said the depleted draft pick market around the league limits Dallas’s return options. Teams lack the assets to offer multiple first-round selections. The Mavericks should expect a couple of solid players and a draft pick in any deal.

Davis has $121.2 million remaining after this season, with salaries of $58.4 million and $62.7 million over the next two years. He becomes extension eligible this coming offseason. The 32-year-old center could sign an extension worth up to three seasons and $218.5 million beginning August 6, 2026.

Several league sources struggled to identify a deep list of potential suitors for Davis. His massive salary presents significant obstacles for teams operating near luxury tax thresholds. Dallas is already pushing against the second apron and likely wants to avoid adding long-term maximum salary commitments.

Davis is in the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension he signed with the Lakers in August 2023. His injury history raises concerns about long-term value despite his elite production when healthy. He holds a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.

The Mavericks face difficult decisions regarding their roster construction and salary cap flexibility. Moving Davis would provide significant financial relief while potentially addressing long-term team building concerns.