Mavericks' Anthony Davis Trade Deadline Drama Hawks Refuse Key Assets

With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, Anthony Davis is again tied to trade chatter as Dallas has engaged Atlanta in talks. The Hawks have "resisted including former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher and the [New Orleans] Pelicans' unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick via the Derik Queen trade," calling that pick "virtually untradeable." Davis has battled calf and groin issues but still averages 20.4 points and 10.8 rebounds, and reportedly has a "preference would be to stay in Dallas and to get that extension this summer." Merlin sees time and asset value closing the window. Atlanta's unwillingness to surrender top youth or a lottery-flirting pick makes a blockbuster unlikely unless Dallas loosens demands. Teams keep calling about Risacher despite his sophomore dip, so a smaller, creative package or a hold-until-summer outcome feels more probable.