NBA Rumors: Mavericks, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Pacers

Despite all the chatter, the Mavericks are not actively shopping Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, or D’Angelo Russell, sources tell Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com.

As Afseth reports, Dallas has signaled to rival teams that it’s in an evaluation phase, taking stock of both its on-court product and the broader trade market.

The sense around the league is that the Mavs are operating opportunistically rather than positioning themselves as deadline sellers, with any move needing to align with the organization’s long-term outlook.

Notably, Kyrie Irving has not been included in those exploratory conversations. Sources say Dallas wants to see Irving on the floor alongside rookie Cooper Flagg and believes the veteran guard can help accelerate Flagg’s development once healthy.

While the Pistons, Hawks, and Raptors have all been mentioned as potential suitors for Davis, sources expressed skepticism to Afseth about his fit in Detroit or Atlanta, with Toronto viewed as the cleanest on-court option of that group.

Even so, a Davis trade is far from inevitable.

“The Mavericks are going to want to see how this team looks with AD and Kyrie,” one source told Afseth. “There’s no sense in just trying to get rid of AD. The market has to be right. If it’s not, I don’t see a deal getting done.”

Thompson’s Standing

Thompson’s on-court impact has fluctuated, but Afseth reports the veteran has remained a positive presence in the locker room amid organizational upheaval following the Luka Doncic trade.

If Dallas does engage in serious Thompson discussions, it’s expected to be mindful of his preference to play for a contender.

Giannis Watch Still Quiet

The future of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to loom over the trade market, but Afseth says there have been no meaningful developments.

Rival executives still tend to view the Knicks as the leading contender if Milwaukee opens the door, with the Heat and Spurs also mentioned as teams monitoring the situation.

Morant Not Available

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, who recently returned from a 10-game absence, is not on the trade market, per Afseth.

If that were to change, the Heat are not viewed as a strong fit for the two-time All-Star.

And while this isn’t specific to Morant … the Rockets, Timberwolves, and Kings are among the teams keeping a close eye on the point guard market ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, Afseth reports.

Pacers Check on Kessler

Indiana has done background work on Jazz center Walker Kessler, according to Afseth, who notes that Tyrese Haliburton is a fan of the big man.

Kessler, who is out for the season following shoulder surgery, reportedly sought a long-term extension north of $120 million before the year began and will be a restricted free agent next offseason.