Pistons not likely to try to trade for Mavericks’ Anthony Davis

The Pistons haven’t had any trade conversations with the Mavericks about Anthony Davis, per Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press (via Ashish Mathur).

Sankofa went on to report that the Pistons are unlikely to pursue a Davis trade. 

Detroit sits at 19-5 with the best record in the Eastern Conference, and league sources continue to say the Pistons aren’t eager to shake up a roster that has been rolling since opening night.

Dallas, meanwhile, remains open for business. As ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, the Mavericks are willing to explore the market on Davis, Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell as they look for ways to stabilize a 9-16 start.

Davis is owed $54 million this season, $58.5 million next year, and has a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28. The Mavericks are expected to work closely with Davis’ camp — led by Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul — as they weigh whether an in-season move makes sense for both sides.

The former No. 1 overall pick has played just 19 games for Dallas since last year’s blockbuster Luka Doncic trade. He’s averaged 19.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game in a Mavs uniform. A left calf injury has limited him to 10 appearances this season.

In other words, he’s still impactful if he can stay on the court. But given his inability to do so … well, that’s a massive salary for a part-time star. It would make sense if the Pistons decide not to go that route.