Mavericks Hold Firm on Anthony Davis Ahead of Deadline

Merlin sees Dallas shifting into seller mode as the Feb. 5 deadline nears. The Mavericks sit 12th at 19-27 and are unlikely to move their 19-year-old cornerstone Cooper Flagg, labeled "untouchable." Forward Naji Marshall draws interest—"half the league is interested in [Marshall]"—but Dallas plans to keep him unless "something extraordinary" arrives. The club has "established high trade thresholds" for both Marshall and Max Christie, even as they weigh ways to recoup draft capital and gain salary flexibility. Merlin notes the timeline matters more than tonight’s score. Marshall’s efficient 13.8 points on a manageable deal makes him the most plausible chip, yet Dallas is protecting its long view around Flagg. Davis’ market is muted given contract and injury concerns, so any big move would need to be obvious and rare.