It appears the Dallas Mavericks are stalling on potentially trading Anthony Davis because of one key reason.
The Dallas Mavericks are entering a period of uncertainty, but the team appears determined to stay patient before rushing into any major changes.
There has been a lot of talk about trading Anthony Davis before the trade deadline. But as things stand, the Mavericks won’t do so until one person signs off on the decision.
Patrick Dumont wants to see how Dallas Mavericks trio looks together
According to Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks want to see their intended trio — Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving — share the court.
Despite growing trade speculation, Dumont reportedly wants to wait until the team’s top players have actually played together before considering significant moves.
“The Mavericks have yet to see Flagg, Davis, and Irving play together for one second, and I’m told that new Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont is certainly among those in the organization who would prefer to see how that trio looks before doing something else drastic.”
That approach makes sense given the circumstances. Davis and Irving have barely shared the floor, and both have spent long stretches sidelined with injuries.
“Irving and Davis, remember, have only played together once because of the adductor injury that sidelined Davis in the third quarter of his Mavericks debut against Houston back on Feb. 8.
“Irving is expected back from knee surgery at some point in 2026 … but it is not yet clear if that return will take place before the Feb. 5 deadline.”
With Irving still rehabbing and Davis only recently cleared for limited activity, the Mavericks’ front office appears reluctant to make any decisions based on an incomplete picture.
Dallas Mavericks face crucial stretch before trade deadline
The Mavericks have had a turbulent start to 2026, with injuries preventing any real rhythm from forming under head coach Jason Kidd.
Flagg’s arrival brought some optimism, but without the full roster available, the team remains very much an unknown.
Internally, sources suggest that Dumont’s measured approach reflects a broader philosophy of stability and evaluation.
The front office wants to see what this core can become — especially how Flagg’s defensive versatility and Davis’ two-way play fit alongside Irving’s elite scoring.
For now, that means trade chatter around Dallas may cool — at least until the front office sees its intended lineup in action.
If the trio can get healthy and find some chemistry, the second half of the season could look very different from the first.
But if not, the February 5 trade deadline may force the Mavericks into a decision about the future of this core.
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