A rival executive believes the Mavericks are ready for a firesale.
Per Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal, this particular executive thinks the Mavs willl trade Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell, and Daniel Gafford ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
Davis, Thompson and Gafford are eligible to be moved immediately. Russell becomes trade eligible on Dec. 15.
The belief inside the Mavericks’ front office, now led by co-GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, is that the best path forward is to move several veterans and build around rookie forward Cooper Flagg, sources told Mathur.
Davis is making $54.1 million this season. Thompson is at $16.7 million. Gafford is at $14.4 million. Russell is at $5.7.
Davis has played only five games and remains out with a left calf strain. There is no clear timetable for his return. The 10-time All-Star is averaging 22.8 points and 10.2 rebounds.
He turns 33 in March. The Mavericks listed him at 268 pounds entering training camp, 15 heavier than last season with the Lakers.
Thompson, who turns 36 in February, is averaging a career-low 9.4 points after being moved to the bench by Jason Kidd. Gafford is averaging 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds and is viewed as the most movable Maverick, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Russell is averaging 11.9 points and 4.9 assists. League sources tell Mathur that Russell has already frustrated several teammates with his practice habits and defensive effort.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
