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Anthony Davis Traded to 76ers, and 4 Other Ideas as Mavericks Trade Rumors Grow
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- Anthony Davis Traded to 76ers, and 4 Other Ideas as Mavericks Trade Rumors Grow
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Anthony Davis' days in Dallas with the Mavericks seem to be numbered. The 10-time All-Star was the centerpiece of Nico Harrison's infamous trade that sent young superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers in February. From the start, the trade was a disaster, especially since Davis has played in just 14 games since the deal was made.
With the Mavs off to an awful start and pressure mounting, the rumors became a reality, and Harrison was fired from his role as general manager. Now, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon , Dallas "will explore the trade market for Davis."
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If they casan find a team interested in taking the $120 million left on his contract after this season, let's look at five franchises Anthony Davis could end up with this season.
Brooklyn Nets
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The Brooklyn Nets are off to another terrible start this season. Heading into Thursday night, they are 2-12, and their rebuild continues to go slowly. The franchise badly needs the juice of a big-name and veteran No. 1 on offense. Davis is an injury waiting to happen, but when healthy, he is still a top 20 talent. He would make life far easier for talented scorer Cam Thomas , and the trio of Davis, Thomas, and Michal Porter Jr. can get Brooklyn back to the postseason, maybe even this season.
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Philadelphia 76ers
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The Philadelphia 76ers have a similar problem with an elite big man with a huge contract that can't stay healthy. His deal makes him virtually untradable, but both clubs might be open to swapping each other's problems. The Mavericks would take the greater risk since the one-time MVP is making more for longer. However, he is the better player, and Cooper Flagg being the No. 2 option to the oft-injured superstar would be a better development plan. It's unlikely, but something both teams should consider.
Indiana Pacers
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Most NBA analysts assumed the Indiana Pacers would struggle this season with Tyrese Haliburton out for the year. However, also losing Myles Turner in free agency has exposed how thin on talent their roster is after those two players and Pascal Siakam . Like the Nets, they need some juice for the rest of the season, but they also could use a high-level big man to replace Turner. A healthy Davis and Siakam could get Indiana back into contention for a play-in spot.
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Sacramento Kings
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The Sacramento Kings have been, arguably, the biggest disappointment so far this season. Despite a roster filled with big-name talent, they are headed to be a lottery team this year. Change is surely coming to Sactown, and that will include offloading some contracts. Could the Kings and Mavericks consider a Davis for LaVine swap? It's possible.
Washington Wizards
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The Washington Wizards are again the worst team in the Eastern Conference. They hoped that bringing in veteran Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum would make a difference, but it hasn't whatsoever. The Mavericks would certainly take either one in a trade since their contracts are expiring. Would Washington take Davis?
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They should consider it. They badly lack star power, and if they want to continue the development of 2024 top pick Alex Sarr , Davis serving as a mentor could be valuable. It would also create an interesting front-court force when the veteran star is on the court.
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