NBA insider: Bucks, Clippers logical fits for Mavericks’ Anthony Davis

The Mavericks may not have started shopping Anthony Davis. But his name is out there, and it’s not by accident.

Davis’ name has been making the rounds all season, and NBA insider Zach Lowe believes a couple of underperforming, win-now teams could at least kick the tires if the Mavericks ever open the door.

“When Dallas fired Nico Harrison and I went through all the fake Anthony Davis trades, I said right away you’ve got to look at teams that are desperate to win,” Lowe said on his podcast. “I’d look at the Bucks. I’d look at the Clippers.”

Both clubs fit the profile Lowe described. The Bucks and Clippers are hovering outside the top tier in their respective conferences and face increasing pressure to justify expensive, veteran-heavy rosters.

Davis’ contract situation adds another layer. He’s eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August. He’s earning $54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next year, and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.

Sources told Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal that Davis plans to pursue an extension with Dallas this offseason if he remains with the team. If he were traded, Davis and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, would seek an extension with the acquiring team.

Health remains the swing factor. Davis has appeared in just 17 games this season, averaging 20.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and anchoring the defense when available. Since arriving in Dallas as part of last season’s blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, he’s played only 26 games total.

Around the league, that availability question tempers enthusiasm. Still, Dallas is listening broadly. Afseth reports the Mavericks have explored the market not only on Davis, but also Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell since Harrison’s dismissal.

That said, team sources insist any Davis deal would require a strong return. Dallas isn’t eager to move a top-75 all-time talent unless the offer clearly advances its long-term direction.

Davis remains a Maverick for the time being. But in a league where urgency drives conversations, his name is likely to keep coming up until clarity arrives.