The Dallas Mavericks weren’t just in the mix for Anthony Davis at the NBA trade deadline, it seems.
Per Gery Woelfel of Woelfel’s Press Box, the Mavs also engaged in discussions regarding Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards and Milwaukee Bucks two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, as written by our Ashish Mathur.
According to Woelfel, the Mavs’ front office contacted Milwaukee regarding Antetokounmp. Given Antetokounmpo’s strong relationship with Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and top assistant Sean Sweeney, Dallas saw an opportunity to test the waters.
However, Woelfel’s sources indicated the Bucks reaffirmed their commitment to their franchise player, quickly shutting down any talk of giving up the decorated superstar.
Meanwhile, talks with Minnesota likely revolved around Edwards, the 23-year-old rising superstar who has already established himself as one of the most dynamic two-way players in the league. While specifics on Dallas’ conversations with the Timberwolves remain scarce, league insiders insist that exploratory discussions did take place, per Woelfel.
Despite falling short in their pursuit of another superstar, Dallas remained aggressive in the trade market. Other key pieces the Mavs were linked to include Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis.
The veteran forward, known for his energy and scoring off the bench, has a $13.4 million player option for next season, and Woelfel’s sources suggest Portis is likely to opt out in pursuit of a long-term deal.
In the end, the Mavericks’ blockbuster ambitions came up short, but the message was clear: Dallas is all-in on maximizing their NBA championship window around Davis and Kyrie Irving.
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