Everything felt different when Nico Harrison pulled the trigger on the Luka Doncic-for-Anthony Davis blockbuster. It was supposed to be the "all-in" move that finally maximized a closing window.
Instead, the vibes in Dallas right now? Pure chaos.
The Mavericks are currently sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference, and the Feb. 5 trade deadline is looming like a final exam nobody studied for. If you’ve been following the nba trade rumors mavs fans are obsessing over, you know the script has flipped completely. We aren't talking about "adding a piece" anymore. We're talking about a full-scale demolition.
The Anthony Davis Dilemma: To Trade or to Tank?
Let’s be real: the AD era in Dallas has been a nightmare. He’s appeared in only 29 games since arriving from the Lakers, and his latest injury—ligament damage in his left hand suffered on Jan. 8—has basically nuked his trade value.
He’s decided against surgery, which is a silver lining, but he’s out for at least six weeks. That timeline takes us right past the trade deadline.
Rich Paul is reportedly pushing for a trade because he wants a $275 million extension this summer that the Mavs likely won't give. But who is trading for a 32-year-old big man with a "decreased trade value" (as Michael Scotto puts it) who can't even get on the court right now?
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The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks are still sniffing around, mostly because "every team in the East thinks they’re an AD away from the Finals." A rumored package from Toronto involving RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and a 2026 first-rounder is floating around. Honestly, if Nico Harrison can get that kind of return for a guy who’s barely played, he should take it and run.
Why Cooper Flagg Changes Everything
The only reason Mavs fans aren't completely losing their minds is the kid wearing #1. Cooper Flagg has been everything as advertised, but he’s playing with a roster that doesn't fit his timeline.
Kendrick Perkins recently went on NBA Countdown and basically yelled at the screen: "If you're rebuilding, then rebuild!" He’s right. Keeping 33-year-old Kyrie Irving—who hasn't played a single minute this season due to that ACL tear from last March—doesn't make much sense if you're trying to build a decade of dominance around Flagg.
The Role Players on the Move
While the big names get the headlines, the real action might be with the "glue guys."
- Naji Marshall: This one hurts. He’s been a fan favorite, but Marc Stein reports that teams are calling about him. He’s on a value contract ($9M this year), and Dallas might be forced to move him just to avoid the dreaded "second apron" of the luxury tax.
- Daniel Gafford: He was a double-double machine last year, but a lingering right ankle sprain has sapped his bounce. Scouts say he "doesn't pop" like he used to. His trade value is sliding, but a contender needing rim protection might still bite.
- Klay Thompson: The dream of Klay hitting 10 threes a night in Dallas hasn't materialized. He’s making $16.7M, and with the Mavs heading toward the lottery, his veteran presence is a luxury they can't afford.
Jonathan Kuminga: The New Target?
There is some smoke regarding a deal with the Golden State Warriors. Jonathan Kuminga has effectively demanded a trade after falling out of Steve Kerr’s rotation.
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He’s 23. He’s athletic. He fits the Flagg timeline perfectly.
The Warriors want "win-now" players and don't want long-term money. Could a package centered around Daniel Gafford and maybe Max Christie get it done? It’s a gamble, but Kuminga’s ceiling is still high enough that Dallas has to consider it.
What the Front Office is Thinking
Patrick Dumont and the ownership group are reportedly torn. Part of them wants to see Flagg, AD, and Kyrie all on the floor together just once. It sounds great on paper. But Kyrie isn't expected back until after the All-Star break, and AD is out until late February.
By the time they all suit up, the Mavs might be mathematically eliminated from the Play-In.
Waiting is risky. As Rich Paul said on the Game Over podcast, "When you play in traffic, you get hit by a car." The Mavs have been standing in the middle of the interstate for two seasons now.
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Navigating the 2026 Trade Deadline
The smart move? Lean into the youth.
The 2026 NBA Draft is the last one where Dallas actually owns their first-round pick until 2031. If they keep losing, that pick becomes a massive asset to pair with Flagg. Hanging onto AD and Kyrie just to finish 10th and lose the pick is the worst-case scenario.
Expect the trade calls to intensify as we hit the final week of January. Whether it’s a blockbuster sending AD to the 6ix or a smaller salary dump involving D'Angelo Russell (who’s shooting a career-low 29% from deep), the Mavs have to do something.
Actionable Insights for Mavs Fans:
- Watch the Injury Reports: If AD's hand doesn't show progress by Feb. 1, his trade market will likely evaporate completely.
- Monitor the Salary Cap: Any trade involving Naji Marshall is a sign that the front office is prioritizing long-term financial flexibility over immediate wins.
- Look for Youth: If the Mavs acquire anyone under the age of 24 (like Kuminga), it’s a clear signal that the "retool" is officially a "rebuild."