Mavericks' Anthony Davis 4 most likely trade landing spots are Eastern Conference contenders

The Dallas Mavericks traded for Anthony Davis less than a year ago.

He may be on the move again sooner rather than later if the rumors are for real.

And if that happens, Davis can still be a difference maker for a contender. That has led to plenty of speculation on who might end up with AD.

The Sporting News' Stephen Noh actually ranked Davis as the No. 1 most likely star to be traded, and in the process, Noh named four possible destinations:

• Detroit Pistons
• Atlanta Hawks
• Chicago Bulls
• Toronto Raptors

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Any of those Eastern Conference teams would feel they could legitimately make the NBA Finals if they acquired Davis.

Noh writes this:

The Bulls have had internal conversations about adding Davis, per ESPN's Jamal Collier. They have seven expiring contracts on their roster, headlined by Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. Dallas could use either on their guard-starved roster, and they have multiple first-round picks to throw in as well.

The Hawks could also use big man depth at a buy-low price. Kristaps Porzingis' ongoing health issues and expiring $30.7 million contract could be the basis for a deal, along with draft equity and some young prospects to help Dallas' rebuild. 

The Raptors are looking to upgrade their center depth. Jakob Poeltl's back issues have reduced his effectiveness, and they have started to cool from their hot start to the year.  

The Pistons would be the most intriguing, mostly because they are probably the best team already of the bunch.

If Detroit could keep its core, AD could push them over the top.

This is certainly a situation that bears watching. The balance of power in the Eastern Conference could definitely swing with one deal.

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