Anthony Davis Trade Drama Puts Mavericks on Edge

Merlin sees the Mavericks still fielding trade calls for Anthony Davis but not feeling pressured to move him before the Feb. 5 deadline. Dallas reportedly "doesn't feel like it must deal Davis before the deadline," while Davis’ camp does not expect an offseason extension and wants a team more likely to sign him long term. The East is buzzing — Toronto, Atlanta and Milwaukee have been linked, Golden State has interest, and Davis is described as "amenable" to Toronto or Atlanta. Merlin notes keeping Davis preserves upside around Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson and a future Kyrie Irving return, but the West’s elite loom large. If Dallas fears they cannot extract fair value now, patience could net a richer haul in summer trade talks. The board is set and moves could hinge on how buyers value a 10-time All Star.