Mavericks Stand Pat on Anthony Davis, Shop Klay Thompson

Merlin sees the Mavericks shifting course. What was thought to be a likely Anthony Davis trade is now, in team parlance, "it remains unlikely" before Thursday's deadline. Dallas will "listen to offers about" veteran guard Klay Thompson instead. Davis has seen his trade value fall amid another injury-plagued season and ligament damage to his left hand, and league sources fret over a "$62.7 million player option" in 2027-28. At 19-30 with four straight losses, Dallas could still tinker. Merlin senses a pivot toward practicality. If Davis is too risky to move because of health and money, the Mavericks will shop the clearer asset: Thompson, a "knock-down 3-point shooter and a well-respected voice in Dallas' locker room." Trading Klay would tilt Dallas toward youth, draft assets, or cap flexibility. The market for shooting and leadership will tell the tale as Thursday approaches.