NBA Rumors: Mavs Out on Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler After Anthony Davis, Luka Trade
The Dallas Mavericks aren't pursuing Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant or Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler on the trade market, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Fischer noted that Dallas is "definitely not done looking for upgrades" via trade, though.
On Sunday, the Mavericks made the surprising decision to deal superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a massive three-team swap. Dallas received a package headlined by Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick in return.
Butler indicated to the Heat on Jan. 2 that he wanted to be traded, with ESPN's Shams Charania listing Dallas as a team that the six-time All-Star would be open to joining.
In 25 starts this season, Butler has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting a career-high 54 percent from the field.
Durant hasn't requested a trade from the Suns, although Fischer noted on Monday that Phoenix was still listening to offers from opposing teams. The team doesn't have plans to move the two-time Finals MVP, though.
While the Suns only sit at No. 8 in the Western Conference standings with a 25-23 record this season, Durant has remained one of the most efficient volume scorers in the association.
He's averaging 26.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on 52.5/40.5/82.7 shooting splits.
As the Mavericks look to return to the NBA Finals with Davis leading the way alongside Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, they could focus on targeting depth options instead of adding another star such as Butler or Durant.
Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, Dallas can trade first-round picks in 2025, 2029 and 2031 to upgrade its roster.
After moving on from Dončić, the Mavericks may remain active on the trade market ahead of Thursday's deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
