Report: Mavericks Looking To Move AD To Hawks While Keeping Kyrie As Their PG

As 2025 comes to a close, Anthony Davis remains at the center of trade speculation. One fresh report claims that the Dallas Mavericks have a clear picture in mind when it comes to the assets that could get involved in a Davis trade.

In a recent episode of "The Hoop Collective," NBA insider (and reputed Mavs enthusiast) Tim MacMahon dished out the latest on the AD trade buzz. According to MacMahon, the Mavericks front office will not be giving up one of their backcourt stars in a potential Davis deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Apparently, Dallas has no interest in acquiring the Hawks' star guard.

"The Mavericks would like to work out a deal to send Anthony Davis to Atlanta, but Trae Young’s not going to be part of that. They want to move forward with Kyrie Irving as their point guard," MacMahon said on the podcast.

Prior to this statement, MacMahon explained that Young's contract is a tricky matter for any team that wants to bring him in. This season, the four-time All-Star is set to make a total of $45.9 million; in the 2026–27 campaign, Young is owed $48.9 million, and he also happens to have a player option. As MacMahon pointed out, getting assets that would match Young's salary might not be worth it for some ball clubs around the league.

There's also the question of fit, as both Irving and Young are ball-dominant guards. While the Mavericks somehow made a tandem of Irving and Luka Doncic work in the recent past, having just one court general in the starting lineup appears to be the more viable option for now. "They're not gonna play those two guys together," MacMahon said of Irving and Young.

As for Davis, he might be stepping into a situation where he can comfortably play the role of a solid veteran, not quite the go-to guy but a potent number two option who provides both reliable numbers and championship experience. By all indications, the Hawks will be moving forward with emerging young star Jalen Johnson as their cornerstone. A youthful player like Johnson would benefit from having Davis on the court and in the locker room.

Less than six weeks remain before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, and in this time frame, a Davis trade to Atlanta is certainly plausible. It will be interesting to see whether the Mavericks can keep Irving and steer clear of Young in the scenario that this trade comes to fruition.