As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Anthony Davis has become the central figure in Dallas’ trade deadline strategy. In his 29 games with Dallas, injuries have raised questions about Davis’ availability and trade value. And as the deadline nears, his future remains unsettled. This time, the spotlight has shifted to his representation and a growing tension with the Mavericks’ front office.

Last week, the 32-year-old suffered ligament damage in his left hand in the Mavs’ 114-116 loss vs. the Utah Jazz. Following the injury, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dallas had reopened trade discussions involving Davis amid uncertainty surrounding surgery.

But here’s the thing: “It is very clear that Rich Paul, who represents Anthony Davis, wants Anthony Davis traded before the deadline.” ESPN insider Tim MacMahon offered a revealing assessment on the Hoop Collective podcast. Why would Paul want AD to be traded? “Because he believes it is in his best business interest. Because he has taken a, well, we will see from the Mavericks regarding an extension as a no.”

According to MacMahon, Rich Paul believes some teams would offer AD his desired extension once he is eligible in August. Most importantly, the insider signaled that Dallas feels no urgency to move Davis; instead, the front office plans to wait. For now, ownership is backing patience and setting a firm threshold for any potential deal. At the same time, they’ve sent a clear message to Anthony Davis’ agent: “Rich Paul is not going to bully us.”

Dallas is monitoring the trade market from a position of leverage, with MacMahon clarifying that the Mavericks are not interested in moving Davis simply to make a deal.

Any deal requires real value: picks, prospects, and cap flexibility through expiring money. Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont is not expected to approve a deal unless it delivers clear long-term value. Ownership is comfortable waiting.

That patience stood in contrast to Charania’s injury report. Those tweets quickly irritated the NBA champion. Davis publicly disputed the report within hours.

Upset Anthony Davis called out Shams Charania

Questions erupted when Shams Charania revealed the star forward tore a ligament in his left hand and faced a procedure expected to keep him out for months. Consequently, factoring in medical outlook and the team’s direction, the update implied Anthony Davis‘ Dallas campaign had already reached its end. Davis did not let the report go unanswered.

He took to X to respond with a single word: “Lies.” The 32-year-old responded directly beneath Charania’s post. Meanwhile, he responded again, branding the claim false, then reinforced his position through another statement: “Yall better stop listening to all these lies on these apps!” The response immediately reverberated around the league, as the trade deadline approached and the star’s outlook remained a central question.

At present, Davis is pursuing a non-surgical approach for the ligament injury; the All-Star big man will be evaluated in six weeks. That timeline leaves open the possibility of a return later in the regular season, pending reevaluation.

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