Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis has once again emerged as a prominent name in NBA trade discussions, with the Atlanta Hawks increasingly viewed as his most likely destination. According to NBA insider Tim MacMahon, Dallas is open to negotiating a deal with Atlanta, but there is a clear boundary in place. Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, MacMahon emphasized that the Mavericks have no interest in acquiring Trae Young as part of any potential trade, as the franchise intends to continue building around Kyrie Irving at point guard.
MacMahon’s comments align with earlier reporting suggesting that while the Hawks are intrigued by the possibility of adding Davis, Young is not expected to be included in trade talks. Another insider, Chris Haynes, previously noted that Atlanta’s interest in Davis centers on constructing a package involving expiring contracts, young players, and draft assets. From Dallas’ perspective, flexibility and future value appear to be priorities rather than taking on another high-usage guard.
Further complicating the situation, reports indicate that the Hawks may be willing to part with Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, to land Davis. However, Atlanta is reportedly unwilling to move Jalen Johnson or the unprotected 2026 first-round pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans. This creates a delicate standoff, as Dallas does not want Young, and Atlanta is protecting its most valuable long-term assets, making a straightforward two-team deal difficult to execute.
As a result, league observers believe a third team may ultimately need to get involved, particularly if Trae Young is to be moved elsewhere. Young’s sizable contract and the Hawks’ already expensive roster could push Atlanta toward the second apron if they attempt to carry both Young and Davis. Teams like the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves have been mentioned as possible suitors for Young, but matching his $46 million salary presents a significant hurdle, limiting realistic options.
From Atlanta’s standpoint, trading for Davis would be a high-risk, high-reward gamble. The 32-year-old big man remains highly effective when healthy, averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and elite defensive numbers during the 2025–26 season. His impact on both ends of the floor could elevate the Hawks immediately. However, Davis’ ongoing injury concerns loom large, and his limited availability this season helps explain why Dallas is open to moving on. If injuries persist, the deal could backfire for Atlanta, reinforcing the long-standing belief that talent alone is not enough without durability.
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