Dallas Mavericks: What would it take to make Anthony Davis a Mav?

Anthony Davis has no intention of re-signing in New Orleans and is requesting a trade, so what would it take for the Dallas Mavericks to get him?

When one of the three-best players in the NBA puts himself on the market, you better believe EVERY team gets interested. The Dallas Mavericks are certainly no exception.

Even in the midst of a rebuild, the Dallas Mavericks are eager to find ways to win now, without stunting their growth or negatively impacting their future. It’s safe to say adding someone of Anthony Davis’ ilk would help the franchise in both the short-term and long-term future – provided they could keep the big guy, or course.

Anthony Davis stands to make $240 million over the next five seasons if he re-signs with New Orleans this summer. Yet…

Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019

Asking for a trade this summer is allowing his current team a chance to get something back for their imminently-departing free agent to-be. This summer Davis will be just 26-years-old and just entering the prime of his career. Whoever can lock him down on his next deal will be considered contenders as long as they have at least one other star to pair with him.

Luka Doncic could be that star.

But two questions remain:

Does Dallas have enough assets to send back to New Orleans?
Would Dallas be desirable enough for Davis to re-sign?

All conversations begin and end with Dennis Smith Jr. He’s the most valuable asset on the roster not named Luka. And Luka’s completely off the table because he’s the only way Question #2 gets answered in the affirmative.

Dennis Smith Jr was recently on the trade market but with no acceptable offers on the table, he’s rejoined the team. While this has more to do with other GMs smelling desperation and less to do with DSJ’s value, the fruitlessness cannot be ignored.

DSJ is a good player with All-Star ability and max contract potential, but he’s hardly the caliber of Anthony Davis. If the Dallas Mavericks are going to put a package together they’re going to have to send more than just DSJ to get anything done. And that’s the problem.

Even if Dallas sends Harrison Barnes, DSJ, and a couple draft picks, they will need to eat a bad contract to make up for their lack of young talent they’re sending in return. If New Orleans wants to rebuild with youth, Jrue Holiday may be that bad contract the Dallas Mavericks must take on.

By sending an expiring contract, Dallas can absorb a ginormous multi-year deal like Holiday’s (3.5 more years at about $26 million per season). While this isn’t ideal for either team, it at least makes sense. Which brings us to Question #2

Rich Paul to ESPN on a preferred destination for Anthony Davis: "Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019

It’s not surprising Anthony Davis finds himself isolated and a little left out these days. This is the era of Super Teams and if you’re not on one, you’re probably not competing for a title.