Anthony Davis Is Great, but it’s Time for Dallas to Move On

The Dallas Mavericks astonished everyone on Monday night when they triumphed over three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the formidable Denver Nuggets, regarded as one of the premier teams in the NBA. This victory was a powerful statement that demonstrated the Mavericks' potential to compete at an elevated level. Anthony Davis played a pivotal role in this success, scoring 32 points and reinforcing the idea that he is an All-NBA, game-changing superstar whenever he steps onto the court.

However, despite this significant accomplishment, the Mavericks find themselves with a 7-15 record and continue to grapple with the same persistent issue: they cannot construct their future around a player whose health is consistently uncertain. Consequently, it is time for the team to consider trading Anthony Davis.

Anthony Davis Is Great But Unreliable

Anthony Davis commands attention as a dominant force in basketball. He is not just a champion and a future Hall of Famer, but also one of the most exceptional two-way players on the court today. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, he excels at blocking shots, defending multiple positions, and scoring from virtually any area on the floor.

Yet, at 32 years of age, his most significant obstacle remains: injuries. Throughout his career, Davis has missed games almost every season, and this trend has persisted since arriving in Dallas. The Mavericks face uncertainty about whether he can maintain his health over an entire season, a situation that complicates efforts to build a competitive team around him.

Dallas previously traded Luka Doncic seeking a fresh direction. However, the tenure of Davis has been marred by setbacks. A single victory against Denver does not alleviate the ongoing long-term concerns surrounding his health.

The Future Belongs to Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks have a promising new star poised to take center stage: Cooper Flagg, the anticipated number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Flagg is an impressive 6-foot-9 forward, showcasing elite athleticism, robust defensive capabilities, and sophisticated scoring techniques. Coaches have likened him to vibrant players such as Jayson Tatum and a youthful LeBron James. His dedication, quick learning ability, and overall skill set position him as the potential face of the franchise.

In order to fully harness Flagg’s potential, Dallas must provide him with ample opportunities, touches, and responsibilities. This will become increasingly challenging with Davis still occupying the primary offensive role.

Smart Trade Options

If the Mavericks decide to part ways with Davis, they could secure valuable players and draft picks in return. Two Eastern Conference teams present appealing options:

• Chicago Bulls (9-11) - Pairing Davis with Josh Giddey could assist them in finally reaching the playoffs.
• Toronto Raptors (15-7) - Adding Davis alongside Scottie Barnes might elevate them into playoff contention within a relatively weak Eastern Conference.

Both teams are in search of a star player and would be willing to offer substantial assets. In return, Dallas could obtain components essential for constructing a team centered around Flagg.

A New Beginning for Dallas

While the win against Denver was exhilarating, the Mavericks must focus on their long-term vision for the next decade rather than just the immediate game. Cooper Flagg symbolizes the future, and trading Anthony Davis may be the strategic move that ultimately facilitates that vision.