The Dallas Mavericks gambled on the biggest trade of this decade last year, swapping franchise icon Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, hoping to build up a championship contender on the back of defense. However, their hopes have failed; the Mavs sit at 14-23, right outside the play-in, and the team’s future lies in #1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, leaving Davis in jeopardy. Now, an insider has delivered an update on his status.

“Anthony Davis’ preference is to stay in Dallas and sign an extension this summer,” Mavs insider Tim MacMahon reported on NBA Today. “The priority there is the extension, not the preference to stay in Dallas. The Mavericks are telling AD and his agent, Rich Paul… ‘Hey, we’re open-minded to an extension.'”

Despite Davis‘s arrival and his previously stated desire to stay in Dallas long-term, the management has slowed the process down, seemingly recalibrating their focus on Flagg. His future stands unresolved, and that is a significant factor in driving trade rumors.

Unfortunately for the Mavs’ management, Davis’ representation in Klutch Sports and CEO Rich Paul rarely take “maybe” as an answer.

MacMahon referred to the Brandon Ingram to Toronto and De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio trades last midseason to demonstrate that Paul is willing to get his clients moved if their future with their teams isn’t secure, and with Davis’s situation still unresolved, he might push for a trade to a team willing to pay him.

To that end, however, MacMahon made it clear that while the Mavs are still in talks with teams, there is one clear factor to consider: team owner Mark Cuban.

“Patrick Dumont, the owner, he would prefer to see AD, Kyrie, and Cooper Flagg together before making any drastic decisions, any major decisions, whether that’s trade or extension,” MacMahon said on NBA Today. “That’s probably not happening before the trade deadline.”

Dallas Mavericks Leave Door Open Without Making Anthony Davis Promise

The Dallas Mavericks‘ caution hasn’t gone unnoticed on the national stage, with ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins questioning if committing long-term to Anthony Davis even makes sense for a team that has the top prospect in last year’s draft.

“It’s either yes or no if you’re going to commit to a contract extension,” he said on NBA Today. “And I wouldn’t if I’m the Dallas Mavericks, to be honest with you, because Cooper Flagg is everything and more. He does it all – points, rebounds, assists.”

This caution makes sense given Flagg’s elite talent and rookie-scale contract (typically 4 years, with team options, providing significant cap flexibility for years). Committing heavily to Davis now—via extension or otherwise—could limit future payroll maneuverability as Flagg’s extension approaches post-rookie deal. Davis, a 10-time All-Star, is under contract through 2026-27 ($58.5M next season, player option ~$62.8M in 2027-28).

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He’s eligible for a maximum extension (potentially 4 years, $275 M, starting summer 2026). However, his age (he will soon turn 33), injury history, and the Mavericks’ rebuild/retooling around Flagg raise doubts about a long-term commitment.

Irving remains a core piece (untouchable, according to reports), providing veteran leadership for Flagg, although his return timeline remains unclear.

Overall, nothing is guaranteed for Davis: no assured extension, no inevitable trade, and no full clarity pre-deadline. The Mavericks prioritize assessing fit and preserving flexibility amid a sub-.500 record and roster questions.