What Is Anthony Davis' Trade Value? NBA Insider's Shocking Revelation amid Mavs Rumors

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly facing a conundrum when it comes to potentially trading star big man Anthony Davis.

During Monday's episode of The Hoop Collective, ESPN's Tim Bontemps explained that Davis' trade value isn't as high as many would expect for a player of his caliber.

"The idea of trading Anthony Davis has everyone trained to think, well, they're gonna get three firsts, two swaps, they're gonna get two young players and they're gonna get all this stuff," Bontemps said around the 33:00 mark. "I shouldn't say it's not gonna happen... but, you talk to people in the league, there's not a lot of teams that are lining up to take on a 35-year-old Anthony Davis making $63 million, and you have to assume that he's gonna opt into that deal."

Bontemps was referring to the $62.8 million player option on Davis' deal for the 2027-28 season, adding that it will be tough to find a suitor who can make the salary match in a potential trade.

"A lot of this is gonna be, can Dallas find someone willing to take on the money," Bontemps said. "If the answer is yes, then you go to, OK, if they're taking on the money, what are they sending out?"

Mavs minority owner Mark Cuban told The Athletic's Joe Vardon last week that the team doesn't intend to trade Davis because "We want to try to win." Dallas is 5-13 this season, and Davis has been sidelined for 13 games due to a calf injury.

If the Mavs' struggles continue this season, perhaps they will be more motivated to trade Davis and acquire assets for the future. For now, Dallas will focus on trying to get back on track in Monday night's matchup against the Miami Heat (11-6).