Mavericks' Anthony Davis Could Seek $70M Extension

Merlin sees trouble brewing: Marc Stein reports that if Anthony Davis is traded, he and Klutch Sports would likely push for a contract extension — "the first year... would be worth more than $70 million." Davis is on year one of a three-year, $175M deal (2026-27 cap hit $58.4M, $62.8M player option in 2027-28). The Mavericks, 5-14 and retooling after front-office changes, are also wrestling with Davis’ injury issues — he’s played just five games this season. That price, plus age and a recent calf history, cools the market; sources "struggled to produce a deep list of suitors," and returns could resemble the Kevin Durant swap — players and picks, not a haul of first-rounders. Merlin senses Dallas wants assets to build around Cooper Flagg, but finding a partner willing to re-sign Davis will be a tough bit of sorcery.