Dallas Mavericks Not Moving Anthony Davis Before Trade Deadline

Merlin sees Dallas in no rush to move Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 deadline. Though reports say Rich Paul is "working tirelessly to force a trade" and the Mavs had "renewed trade talks," team voices were blunt: "Rich Paul is not going to bully us" and they "are not going to sign off on a deal just to do a deal." Davis has been out since Jan. 8 with a left‑hand ligament injury, which shrinks offers and lowers urgency. Merlin notes the sense of calm is strategic. Dallas can wait to watch a healthy Davis alongside Kyrie and rookie Cooper Flagg, or flip him as a future asset like past teams have done with injured stars. The choice will hinge on what value returns and whether ownership prefers clarity over a quick move.