Anthony Davis Staying With Mavericks, Eyes Kyrie Return

Merlin sees Anthony Davis brushing off trade chatter and locking into the present. In Dallas' 110-104 win over Houston he logged a season high 39 minutes with 26 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, and told reporters, "Obviously, he's a hell of a player, a Hall of Famer. He changes the dynamic of our team. So, when he gets back, we will be an even better team." The Mavs sit 13-23. Merlin notes the original plan was Davis paired with Luka and Kyrie, but injuries and a rough start have left Dallas at a crossroads. The club could pivot around Irving and 2025 top pick Cooper Flagg or keep Davis to try to revive the season. Davis' calm stance and a big night make him both a stabilizing force and a valuable trade chip, so the story is far from over.