Mavericks Open to Trading Anthony Davis, Keep Kyrie

The Mavericks are quietly testing the waters on Anthony Davis, with Marc Stein reporting Dallas "still intend to field any trade interest" — while making clear they are "not encouraging trade inquiries for Kyrie Irving." Owner Mark Cuban pushed back, saying, "We won't. We want to try to win." Dallas' 4-12 start, a GM firing and lost future first-round picks make moves tempting, but Davis' injuries and massive contract complicate any deal. Merlin sees a club at a crossroads: sellers' logic meets reality. If the market for Davis is soft, keeping a healthy trio of Davis, Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg — who is "already vibing nicely" with Irving in practice — could be the path to salvage the year. Expect probing calls, not a blitz.