NBA Rumors: Detroit, Hawks, and Raptors eye Anthony Davis

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Anthony Davis might be on the move again.

On Dec. 9, 2025, verified reports circulated that the 10-time NBA All-Star is expected to be placed on the trading block, as announced by ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania.

According to multiple sources, the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors will pursue Davis after the Dallas Mavericks opened their options in exploring the trade market for the two-way power forward.

Although the 32-year-old veteran is eligible to sign a four-year, USD 275 million max contract this summer, the scenario quickly changed when Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, arranged a meeting with Dallas’ interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi.

During the discussion, Finley and Riccardi explained that they aren’t ruling out the possibility of shipping Davis as part of the Mavericks’ long-term plan for the future of the franchise.

However, their decision will become firm depending on Davis’ performance in upcoming games against Brooklyn, Utah, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

Davis was a monster for Dallas in his past four games, leading the Mavericks against the Denver Nuggets with 32 points and 13 rebounds, followed by a 29-point explosion against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.

Despite the impressive stat line, Davis’ availability is still the issue, having appeared in only 10 games this season — a major factor in Dallas’ disappointing 9-16 NBA start.

Since arriving in Dallas after the Luka Dončić trade aftermath, Davis has failed to remain healthy, sustaining multiple injuries to his calf, leg, Achilles, groin, adductor, thigh, and foot.

The Davis acquisition also took a major hit when the Mavericks failed to qualify for the playoffs last season and are now on the verge of a worrisome 2025–2026 NBA campaign due to Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL injury.

Irving revealed that he might return in the second half of the season, specifically after the All-Star break, reviving the hopes of the Dallas fan base for a late push for a playoff ticket.