Dirk Nowitzki 'Disappointed' by Mavs' Trade Return for Anthony Davis After Luka Doncic Deal

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was a "little disappointed" by the team's return from the Anthony Davis trade.

In a deal that included the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets, the Mavs received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III along with first-round picks in 2026 and 2030 and three future second-rounders.

Nowitzki discussed the transaction while working as an analyst for Prime Video. He acknowledged it's a sign of Dallas' desire to build around rookie Cooper Flagg but said "there's not a lot that came back."

The Mavericks' makeshift front office wasn't negotiating from a position of strength.

Davis has been limited to 20 games this season, and NBA insider Chris Haynes reported the Wizards are expected to shut him down for the remainder of the year.

The long injury record for the 10-time All-Star combined with his contract status to drive down his value.

Davis is signed for $58.5 million in 2026-27 and has a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28. He's either going to command massive salaries for the next two years or have a long-term commitment that lowers his annual payout but raises the overall cost.

In short, Davis wasn't a positive trade asset despite an impressive career resume.

Nobody will argue the Mavericks were a winner from this blockbuster deal, but the logic was abundantly clear.

Dallas basically acknowledged there was no satisfactory way to close the book on the Luka Dončić trade. The team was never going to flip Davis for the kind of assets that soften the blow of losing an All-NBA talent who was the face of the franchise.

Dealing AD away at least made it clear the Mavs are embracing a new era and selling a long-term vision to the fanbase.