Bulls Eye Anthony Davis Trade With Mavericks

Merlin sees a tidy trade pitch: Chicago would take on Anthony Davis while Dallas gets Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, a 2028 first (top-four protected) and a 2029 first-round swap. It matters because Davis, "the guy we got for Luka Dončić," would supply the Bulls a lob threat and defensive anchor to protect young wings like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis — but only "If Davis is healthy*" — "This is a major uncertainty—so large it might not fit inside Lake Michigan." Merlin smells strategy: Dallas clears salary, leans into Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II, and chases cheap upside and draft equity; Chicago pays short-term payroll for a potential stopgap that doesn't mortage the future. This is not a sure thing — it’s a high-reward, high-risk nudge for both clubs.