Mavericks Favor Keeping Anthony Davis as Flagg Surges

Merlin sees Dallas leaning toward keeping Anthony Davis rather than trading him. Michael Scotto reports league sources saying "The Mavericks are currently evaluating how Davis returns to form, develops chemistry with [2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg], and how much he impacts the team's chances at winning." Dallas is 10 17 and 12th in the West. Davis has played 11 games and the Mavs are 6 5 with him. GM Nico Harrison was fired after a 3 8 start. Merlin notes Flagg's rapid rise, capped by a 42 point game, and Kyrie Irving's expected return from a torn ACL. Keeping Davis preserves a core to grow together and gives Dallas time to judge fit before moving pieces. If health and chemistry click, patience could turn early chaos into a late season push.