Raptors, Hawks Circle Anthony Davis as Mavericks Hold Out

Merlin sees Toronto and Atlanta as the two teams most inquiring about Dallas star Anthony Davis, though optimism is thin. Marc Stein reports he is "not hearing much optimism at the moment that Atlanta can get anywhere near a package that would tempt Dallas." The Mavericks are demanding significant return and are "not at all interested in just shedding Davis' contract," while sources say there "doesn't seem to be much of a market." Davis carries a $54.1 million salary that makes trades messy. Merlin adds that Atlanta would likely need to include Trae Young or Kristaps Porziņģis to make numbers work, and Toronto’s willingness will hinge on its spot in the East as the deadline nears. Dallas sits 10 and 17 and could soften if it drifts out of contention, especially with Dereck Lively II out for the season.