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The Dallas Mavericks appear to be edging ever closer to trading away former NBA champion Anthony Davis, and three teams have emerged as the top suitors for the legendary big man.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that a trio of teams are angling themselves as a new home for Davis: the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors.
All three Eastern Conference teams are vying in what has become a wide-open race, with injuries hamstringing several teams.
For the Pistons, it would be a move that could take them over the hump from being the darling of the 2025 season to a legitimate contender. Cade Cunningham has transformed into one of the league’s brightest young stars, averaging 27.5 points and nearly 10 assists per game, to lead Detroit to a 19-5 record atop the East.
The addition of Davis would add to the team’s defensive flexibility and pair Cunningham with an ideal duo in pick-and-roll plays.
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In Atlanta, the arrival of Davis would usher in a new era for Hawks basketball. After making maybe one of the best trades in league history last year by grabbing this year’s Pelicans first-rounder in the draft, the Hawks are in pole position to select a generational talent such as BYU’s AJ Dybantsa or Duke’s Cameron Boozer. The Hawks can trade some of their core, possibly even Trae Young, to bring in a veteran big man to help young centerpiece Jalen Johnson and their 2026 draftee.
Finally, for the Raptors, they are seemingly all-in all the time with their moves. After bringing in Brandon Ingram last year, why not go out and get another former Los Angeles Laker to add to the ever-changing puzzle in Canada? Davis, Ingram, and Scottie Barnes could create a dangerous enough frontcourt to take over the East in a year where everything is topsy-turvy in the conference.
As Christmas creeps upon us, it seems more apparent by the day that Davis might be ringing in the new year in a new city.