NBA Rumors: The team that could go for Anthony Davis with a mega-trade

Anthony Davis did not see clearly in the past the possibility of wearing the Chicago Bulls jersey when his future was up in the air. However, he might now be more inclined to embrace a hometown that would reciprocate that affection, especially after experiencing what it means to become the target of an entire fan base's frustration. The 32-year-old center did not choose to be traded to the Dallas Mavericks, but he will still be "the player for whom Luka Dončić was traded for" as long as he remains there. The spotlight on him will be even brighter following the departure of former general manager Nico Harrison.

Dallas needs to turn the page, and Davis does too. The Texan franchise must shift its focus to developing Cooper Flagg, towards flexibility, and towards building future assets. If they can also acquire a point guard to address their current major deficiency in the roster, even better. This move would allow Chicago to regain momentum after a promising start that took a clear downturn, while offering Davis the chance to leave behind a hostile environment he did not create.

The trade proposal

Chicago Bulls would receive:
Anthony Davis

Dallas Mavericks would receive:
Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, 2028 top-4 protected first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick swap right

Why it would make sense for Chicago

If Davis is healthy, he would provide the Bulls with a constant threat around the rim and a defensive anchor they currently lack. In theory, he would also foster the growth of youngsters like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis by offering them defensive support and interior offensive production. The financial cost would be high: 58.5 million USD next season plus a player option of 63 million in 2027-28, although Chicago's accounts are relatively clean and could absorb that temporary salary increase.

Moreover, out of the 52.3 million in salaries, the only player the Bulls would likely prioritize re-signing is Coby White. He might even end up falling into the category of assets to move before losing value, if the club does not want to pay market value for a player who would be dispensable alongside Giddey, a clear organizational cornerstone for the future. White's importance could decrease further if the franchise leans more towards utilizing Buzelis in the playmaking role.

If the idea is to structure the offense around Giddey and Buzelis on the perimeter, Chicago would need less outside playmaking and more defense, rebounding, and interior production: precisely what Davis would provide. In the first month of competition, the Bulls were the team that allowed the highest percentage of opponent shots in the paint. Neither White, Vučević, nor Huerter will correct this trend, neither now nor in the future. Furthermore, relinquishing only a first-round pick, Chicago does not jeopardize its future. If Davis keeps them out of the draft lottery, the price could fit.

Why it interests Dallas

From a strategic standpoint, the Mavericks need to close a chapter and focus on a project led by Flagg, Dereck Lively II, and future flexibility. Harrison's departure allows them to assess the situation from a distance, without the emotional obligation to retain Davis. If AD's physical issues persist, those selections from Chicago could become real opportunities to access the lottery just as Flagg and Lively begin to increase in value. It would be the perfect time to add young, cost-effective talent.

Economically, clearing the 58.5 million owed to Davis for the upcoming season and balancing the books for 2026-27 would provide real flexibility, with Kyrie Irving being the only player above 18 million USD (around 11% of the salary cap). White is a high-level starter, an All-Star candidate, in his prime, who would keep the team competitive this season and help Flagg receive the ball in advantageous situations, without having to create all the plays himself.

A free agent this summer, White would be an ideal option to support or partner with Irving, turning the current creation deficit into a strength. The Irving–White pairing might raise defensive concerns under normal circumstances, but not if Flagg, PJ Washington, and Lively are behind them. All three can switch, move, and rebound, and the Flagg–Washington tandem could regularly take on the faster perimeter players that Irving and White may struggle to defend.

Davis remains a superstar when healthy, but his cost, injury history, and lack of fit timing in Dallas make a trade logical. Moreover, it would allow the Mavericks to start fresh. It would be best for all parties involved.

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