NBA Trade Deadline: Insider Claims Mavericks’ $54 Million Star Could Face Uncertain Future with Nico Harrison Under Heavy Fire

The Dallas Mavericks moved out of the bottom of the Western Conference standings after beating the Washington Wizards 111-105 on Sunday. For the first time in five tries, the Mavs won without star center Anthony Davis. Despite the victory, which improved their record to 3-7, uncertainties continue to surround the team.

On the “Hoop Collective” podcast on Monday, ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps discussed the Mavs’ stuttering start. McMahon contended that Nico Harrison, the team’s president of basketball operations and general manager, would “never, ever trade” Davis.

However, McMahon conceded that there are rumblings that the ownership could fire Harrison, making Davis’ future in Dallas uncertain. According to Bontemps, AD, in the payroll for $54.1 million this season, is easily the team’s biggest trading chip.

Anthony Davis is out with a calf injury, an issue that has already caused him to miss five games. Still, Bontemps insisted that teams would still be willing to sign him.

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For McMahon, trading Anthony Davis would prompt the Mavericks to pivot to the Cooper Flagg era without much control of their future first-round draft assets. They own a first-round pick in 2026, which could potentially secure them elite talent if they return to the lottery.

Trading Davis could improve their chances of having another shot at the No. 1 pick and replenish draft capital.

Mavericks barely eked past hapless Wizards to end four-game losing streak

The Dallas Mavericks barely moved past the New Orleans Pelicans at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Against the Washington Wizards, who only have one victory this season, they needed a big game from backup forward Naji Marshall to win.

Marshall dropped 31 points with eight rebounds, three steals and two assists in 31 minutes. He stepped up to help fend off the fighting Wizards.

Cooper Flagg, the playmaker and No. 1 option on offense, finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. D’Angelo Russell, inserted into the starting lineup for the struggling Klay Thompson, hardly made an impact. Russell tallied six points, two rebounds and one assist.

The Mavericks desperately need Anthony Davis to return. While AD should improve the team, NBA insiders suggest trading him would benefit the Mavs in the long run.

Edited by Michael Macasero