Mavericks’ dream 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario amid Anthony Davis drama

As the trade deadline looms, it feels like the Dallas Mavericks are still trying to find their space in the timeline spectrum: Do they try to win now or build for the future?

With the string of unfortunate events since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, fans are eager for any positive development, especially something that would establish a clearer direction for the team.

A core of Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg is not lacking in talent. But obviously, staying healthy has been the problem. Davis and Irving are out for an extended period, leaving Dallas with a question mark and an uncomfortable truth.

Making a bold roster move could be the way to go for the Mavericks to address issues in the lineup and have a better chance at making a deep run in the playoffs, while also conveying a vision shift.

Dallas Mavericks’ Perfect 2026 NBA Trade Deadline Scenario

While Irving is expected to miss the entire campaign due to an ACL injury, Davis has been the more frustrating one, as fans feel the Mavericks have not really received anything in return for Doncic. The oft-sidelined star has only played 29 games for Dallas. He is out for at least a month due to a hand injury.

Perhaps it is time to cut at the root. Trading Davis means surrendering that they were totally fleeced in sending Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, but it would also signal a clearer vision for the Mavericks centered on Flagg. Moreover, Davis is the last vestige of the era of Nico Harrison, and fans are keen to move on from it.

The Mavericks should send the 32-year-old Davis and a future draft pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Lauri Markkanen, Isaiah Collier, and Brice Sensabaugh. It may not be the popular move compared to other possible scenarios involving Davis, but it is advantageous for Dallas in terms of incentives, timelines, and logic.

Markkanen is the centerpiece of the deal. He is a three-level scorer who stretches defenses, fits multiple lineups, and doesn’t require an offense to be built entirely around him. He could be the perfect partner for Flagg, easing the 19-year-old rookie with the scoring load.

While the 28-year-old Markkanen is not known for his defense, he can hold his own. Besides, Dallas already has Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and Derek Lively II—three dependable enforcers—in the frontcourt. Markkanen can fully focus on boosting the offense.

Sensabaugh and Collier, meanwhile, are two upstarts who could make an immediate impact for the Mavericks. Collier could even start, as coach Jason Kidd has been looking for a consistent playmaker to unlock Flagg even further. The 21-year-old Collier is averaging 6.6 assists in just 23.3 minutes off the bench this season.

A starting unit of Gafford, Washington, Markkanen, Flagg, and Collier is more balanced, dynamic, and flexible.

As for Sensabaugh, he could provide instant scoring off the bench, along with Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Max Christie. He has been on a heater as of late, displaying his potential as an offensive weapon.

Anthony Davis to Utah Jazz

With the Jazz having a roster of developing players, Davis could become the gravitational figure. He stabilizes their defense and simplifies their hierarchy on offense. But more importantly, Utah can afford this swing, even though it is a calculated risk.

With the Jazz looking to rebuild, Davis would not be pressured to return to action. He can fully recuperate and serve as a mentor to Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski, and Taylor Hendricks.

If Davis could stay healthy for the next few years, then it would be a big bonus for the Jazz. It would show that smart management of assets plus strategic acquisition of a veteran star is a formula any small-market team could replicate.

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