Why Mavericks Reportedly Won't Trade Anthony Davis Before NBA Deadline

There appeared to be a strong chance that Anthony Davis would be moved for a second consecutive season, but the Dallas Mavericks star forward reportedly could avoid another trade this year.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Davis "would prefer to stay put for the rest of this season after absorbing the shock of last February's sudden in-season relocation from the Lakers to the Mavericks."

Stein added that "it likewise appears that there is little active momentum toward a Davis deal before the Feb. 5 deadline in the wake of the ligament damage in his left hand."

Along with Davis' reported desire to stay in Dallas, plus the lack of trade interest in him, "there have been whispers" that those within the organization "would relish" seeing Davis, Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving all on the court together before deciding whether to trade Davis.

That may not happen this season, though, as Stein noted that "it remains unknown whether Irving will play at all this season" as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last March.

As of last week, Irving had not returned to practice, and the Mavs reportedly have discussed postponing his return until next year. Dallas is currently in 11th place in the Western Conference at 19-27, so rushing Irving back to the court may not be worth it at this point in the season.