With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5th, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves in a pivotal position. As one of the league’s top teams, they are under pressure to make strategic moves that could shape their season. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are open to trading players, and none have generated more speculation than star forward/center Anthony Davis.

However, not everyone is optimistic about a potential deal. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently expressed skepticism about whether a trade involving Davis will happen before the deadline. He pointed out that even the Atlanta Hawks, who have shown interest in Davis, may not be willing to include expiring contracts, recent first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, and a first-round pick in a deal. This was reportedly the package that was rumored just a week ago.

The Hawks seem more interested in moving on from Trae Young, a player the Mavericks have no interest in acquiring. Young’s value has dropped significantly, with his contract worth nearly $46 million. Most teams in the NBA don’t have a pressing need for a point guard, and even fewer can afford his salary.

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Is a Three-Team Trade Possible if Atlanta Insists on Dealing Trae Young?

While the Hawks might want to move Young, it’s unclear which team would be willing to take him. The Sacramento Kings are the only team that seems to have both the financial flexibility and interest in making such a move. The Minnesota Timberwolves need a point guard upgrade but aren’t willing to trade Julius Randle or Jaden McDaniels for Young. The Milwaukee Bucks could be an aggressive buyer, but what do they have to offer that would interest others?

The Kings, however, have some valuable assets that could be useful in a trade. A potential three-team deal between Sacramento, Dallas, and Atlanta could look like this:

• Hawks Receive: Anthony Davis
• Kings Receive: Trae Young, Dante Exum
• Mavericks Receive: Zach LaVine, 2026 first-round pick (the one that’s a swap with San Antonio and has Utah and Cleveland involved), 2029 first-round pick (via SAC)

This scenario would allow the Mavericks to sign Ryan Nembhard to a standard NBA contract and give them two first-round picks to replenish their roster. While it might be challenging to get a first-round pick from Sacramento for LaVine and the acquisition of Young, the Kings are not known for being the most efficient organization.

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