Mavericks didn’t touch base with Rich Paul before Anthony Davis trade to Wizards

The Mavericks didn’t loop in Rich Paul before trading Anthony Davis to the Wizards, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

Around the league, that raised eyebrows.

The expectation had been that Dallas would work closely with Paul on any Davis decision, particularly after Nico Harrison was dismissed as general manager. That did not happen.

By contrast, Paul was consulted when the Cavaliers moved Darius Garland to the Clippers for James Harden.

“I’m told Klutch founder Rich Paul wasn’t consulted as the deal for Davis was put together,” Vardon wrote. “This is true. Paul conveyed his message to the Mavericks one month ago. Do what’s best for the organization. Trade Davis or extend him.”

Dallas chose the former.

Davis, who turns 33 in March, is making $54.1 million this season and is eligible for a massive extension this summer. He appeared in just 20 games this year and is currently sidelined with ligament damage in his left hand. His Wizards debut remains up in the air.

Sources indicated Paul’s preference was to secure an extension in Dallas. Uncertainty about age and durability pushed things toward a deadline move instead.

The belief around the league is that Paul will now pivot toward extension talks with Washington.

The Mavericks are reshaping around Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. The Wizards are building something different. Davis is now central to it.