NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Links Anthony Davis to Milwaukee Bucks and LA-Based Franchise as Deadline Approaches

Anthony Davis remains one of the hottest names in the NBA trade rumor mill. Although he has struggled and continues to deal with injuries, teams are reportedly still interested in him. If healthy, Davis can turn a playoff team into a legitimate title contender.

On Thursday, NBA insider Zach Lowe said in his podcast about who could swoop in on Davis (via Mavs Film Room):

“I’d keep an eye on the Bucks and Clippers, just for the desperation factor.”

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Heading into Thursday, the Bucks own a 14-20 record for the No. 11 spot in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee wants defensive reinforcement to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo from leaving, according to Heavy two weeks ago. Davis is easily one of the best and most versatile defenders, making him a possible target.

ClutchPoints reported last month that the Bucks were interested in Blazers duo Jerami Grant and Robert Williams for frontline help. If bolstering the frontcourt is the goal, getting Anthony Davis gives them that.

The Clippers are also struggling. Before the game against the Utah Jazz on Thursday, LA sits at No. 12 in the Western Conference with an 11-21 record. However, the Clippers don’t have the first-round draft capital that a trade for AD would require. They might have to trade Kawhi Leonard or James Harden to accumulate the draft haul needed to bring AD back to Hollywood.

Losing Leonard and Harden for Davis will not likely make the Clippers serious playoff contenders. Their best option is to add AD to their star duo. How they can accomplish that is anybody’s guess.

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Anthony Davis struggled in his return from groin injury

Anthony Davis played only 11 minutes in the Dallas Mavericks’ 126-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. AD left the game in the second quarter due to a groin injury.

After missing two games, he returned on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The former LA Lakers star tallied 13 points on 6-for-13 shooting and added eight rebounds and two assists.

Anthony Davis seemed rusty after a one-week absence. He missed multiple shots within five feet of the basket. Davis also had three turnovers and had some trouble containing 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid, who finished with 22 points.

Davis’ sub-par performance was a key reason the Mavericks lost 123-108.

Edited by Michael Macasero