Anthony Davis Trade Talks Stall With Hawks: Report – A Deep Dive into the Stagnant Negotiations

As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, 2026, one of the most intriguing storylines involves Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis and the Atlanta Hawks. Recent reports from prominent NBA insider Marc Stein indicate that trade discussions between the two teams have hit a wall, with “no meaningful traction at the moment” on a potential swap. This development comes amid swirling rumors that had positioned the Hawks as the most determined suitor for the 10-time All-Star, whose future in Dallas remains uncertain due to the Mavericks’ disappointing 13-23 record and ongoing injury concerns.

Davis, acquired in a blockbuster deal last season, has been productive when healthy, averaging around 20 points, 10 rebounds, and strong defensive contributions. However, his frequent absences—most recently a groin strain that sidelined him briefly—combined with his age (turning 33 in March) and massive contract ($58.5 million next season with a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28) have cooled the market. The Mavericks are reportedly open to discussions involving anyone except rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving (still recovering from a torn ACL), prioritizing young prospects, expiring contracts, and draft picks in return.

For the Hawks, sitting at approximately 17-20 and struggling defensively, Davis represents a potential game-changer: a dominant interior presence to pair with their young core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu. Atlanta’s interest intensified during a recent skid, exacerbated by Kristaps Porzingis’ ongoing health issues (limited to just 14 games this season). Yet, financial hurdles and roster decisions have stalled progress.

The Origins of the Rumors: Why Atlanta Emerged as the Front-Runner

Trade chatter linking Davis to the Hawks gained steam in late December 2025, with multiple insiders, including Chris Haynes and Marc Stein, reporting Atlanta as the “most determined suitor.” The fit seemed logical. The Hawks’ defense has been porous, particularly in the paint, and Davis’ elite rim protection and pick-and-roll prowess could address that while complementing Trae Young’s playmaking—assuming Young stays.

Early frameworks centered on salary matching: Porzingis’ expiring $30.7 million contract, Luke Kennard’s $11 million, and potentially young assets like 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher (earning $13.1 million) to align closely with Davis’ $54.1 million salary this season. Additional picks, such as those from Milwaukee or New Orleans swaps, were floated to sweeten the deal for Dallas.

Reports suggested the Hawks were “very intrigued” and had engaged in direct communication with Dallas. Some even speculated on multi-team blockbusters involving the Warriors, Kings, or Nets to facilitate moves like rerouting Trae Young or adding more assets. Davis’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, was said to view Atlanta favorably as a long-term landing spot, adding fuel to the speculation.

However, by early January 2026, the momentum evaporated. Stein’s latest update on January 4 revealed a significant pullback, citing sources close to the talks.

Why the Talks Have Stalled: Key Obstacles

Several factors have contributed to the impasse:

1. Atlanta’s Reluctance on Key Assets: Initial reports hinted the Hawks might include Risacher “in the right scenario.” But Hawks sources quickly pushed back, signaling to outlets like The Athletic and Stein’s Substack that an in-season deal for Davis does not qualify as that scenario. Risacher, despite a slow start, remains a high-upside wing, and parting with him for a 32-year-old with injury history feels risky for a non-contender.

   Jalen Johnson and a valuable 2026 unprotected pick from New Orleans are firmly off the table, further limiting Atlanta’s offer to expiring contracts (Porzingis, Kennard) and lesser picks—insufficient for Dallas’ asking price of young talent and future flexibility.

2. Financial Complications and Trae Young’s Future: Absorbing Davis’ long-term salary without outgoing money creates payroll nightmares. Stein noted that Atlanta’s pursuit “could well depend on its ability to find a new home via trade for Trae Young.” Young’s $49 million player option for 2026-27, if exercised, would push the Hawks’ commitments for him and Davis alone to over $107 million—unpalatable for an ownership group not known for luxury tax spending.

   Growing league belief suggests the Hawks are more open than ever to trading Young, especially after positive stretches without him due to injury. However, Young’s market is “widely considered minimal,” with defensive concerns and inconsistent shooting dampening interest. Dallas has zero desire for Young, forcing any deal to avoid him or involve a third team.

3. Dallas’ High Asking Price and Patience: The Mavericks seek to retool around Flagg, needing prospects and cap relief. Governor Patrick Dumont reportedly prefers seeing Flagg, Davis, and Irving together before drastic moves. With Davis recently returning from injury and performing well (e.g., strong showings post-groin strain), Dallas isn’t desperate to deal at a discount.

   Other suitors like Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons have been mentioned, but apron rules and mismatched assets complicate deals. The Warriors, for instance, could offer Jonathan Kuminga (trade-eligible January 15), but they’ve shown limited enthusiasm.

4. Davis’ Injury History and Extension Desire: Davis wants a lucrative extension this summer, deterring teams from overpaying. His limited games this season (around 17) reinforce durability concerns, lowering his trade value.

Potential Trade Frameworks: What Could Revive Talks?

Despite the stall, the deadline is a month away, leaving room for shifts. Hypothetical packages include:

• Basic Two-Team Deal: Hawks send Porzingis (expiring), Kennard, Vit Krejci, and multiple picks (e.g., lesser of Pelicans/Bucks 2027, own future swaps) for Davis. Dallas gains cap space and assets but no premium young player.
• With Risacher (Unlikely Now): Adding the No. 1 pick from 2024 would intrigue Dallas but seems off the table in-season.
• Multi-Team Scenarios: Involving teams like the Kings (for Young interest) or Warriors (Kuminga) to redistribute assets. One wild proposal routed Domantas Sabonis to Dallas, Risacher as a sweetener, while facilitating Young elsewhere.
• Offseason Pivot: Many insiders believe a deal is more likely post-season, when extension clarity and health updates could alter valuations.

Implications for Both Teams

For the Mavericks: Stalling talks allow time to evaluate Flagg’s fit with Davis. A strong stretch could raise Davis’ value or convince ownership to retain him. Failure to trade risks carrying an expensive, injury-prone star into a retool around youth.

For the Hawks: Without Davis, they may pivot to trading Young separately or standing pat. Acquiring Davis without moving Young risks tax hell and mediocrity (play-in bound for years). His addition could elevate them to contender status in the East, pairing elite defense with offensive firepower.

The Trae Young factor looms largest. If Atlanta finds a taker (minimal market notwithstanding), it clears salary for Davis. Otherwise, internal skepticism about pairing two high-usage, defense-optional stars with massive contracts persists.

Other Suitors and League-Wide Context

While Atlanta leads, the Warriors have contemplated Davis (Dallas inquired), but tax constraints hinder. Raptors and Pistons show interest for contention boosts, but lack matching assets. Overall, Davis’ market is softer than expected for a champion-caliber player, reflecting league trends toward youth and flexibility under new CBA rules.

Prediction and Outlook

Barring a Young trade unlocking salary or injury forcing Dallas’ hand, expect these talks to remain stalled through the deadline. An offseason move seems probable, with Paul advocating for Atlanta long-term. For now, Davis stays in Dallas, suiting up amid uncertainty as the Mavericks navigate a lost season.

This saga highlights the NBA’s evolving trade landscape: stars available, but premiums high and risks amplified. As February 5 nears, monitor Young’s market and Porzingis’ health—keys to any revival.