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The NBA trade deadline never ceases to excite, and after a month of nothing, things have picked up considerably. With this being said, how could the Mavericks get involved in this chaos?
Well, one far-fetched possibility could emerge, As Brian Windhorst reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers have called the Mavericks about a possible Anthony Davis trade. This comes after a Chris Mannix report where he revealed that the Cavaliers and Clippers are close on a potential James Harden for Darius Garland swap. If that trade is made, it could signal the Cavaliers going all in, which could lead to interest in Davis.
Now, is there a real pathway for a trade to get made…
Yes, and it involves 5 teams and 9 players
Buckle up, this one is a doozy.
Mavericks receive: Max Strus, Dennis Schroder, Lonzo Ball, Dean Wade, 2032 Los Angeles Lakers first round pick, 2032 Cavaliers first round pick
Cavaliers receive: Anthony Davis, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first round pick swap
Lakers receive: Jarrett Allen, Thomas Bryant
Nets receive: Maxi Kleber, 2032 Los Angeles Lakers second round pick
Wizards receive: Gabe Vincent, 2026 Cavaliers second round pick
As you can see, this trade would take a monumental amount of players and teams just to make the money work, and that’s before any draft assets are included. The biggest hurdle in any Davis to Cleveland trade would be the Cavs having to get underneath the NBA’s second apron. Because of that, this cannot be a 2 team trade, and would have to include multiple salary dumps to different rebuilding teams. The Lakers also become involved to receive Jarrett Allen, with the Cavs using the first round pick they received in the eventual Davis trade.
But the biggest holdup would actually be the Mavericks, as the only expiring contract would be Lonzo Ball. Any Davis trade would be made to clear up the Mavericks books going forward, as they need to get cheaper, and fast.
While this trade is highly unlikely, it highlights the biggest problem with any A.D. trade, which is balancing the players and picks the Mavericks would receive.