NBA Hall of Famer turned analyst Charles Barkley has had a fair share of “I told you so” moments in the past. The 62-year-old was among the very few high-profile analysts who backed the Toronto Raptors to win the NBA championship against the Golden State Warriors back in 2019. Now, Chuck might’ve predicted the future yet again with his latest statement regarding Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis.

It all started while Barkley was discussing Cooper Flagg’s first-half performance against the Houston Rockets, as the 19-year-old rookie backed up his historic 49-point performance against Charlotte with another impressive showing on Saturday night. The former NBA superstar highlighted how Flagg’s game would only get better when AD and Kyrie Irving return to the court.

“When he finally gets to play other really good players like AD and Kyrie,” Barkley said during ESPN’s halftime show before hinting at the Brow’s future in Dallas. “Like he’s going to be passing those passes to AD. Well, maybe not. And Kyrie. It’s only gonna help his game.”

Anthony Davis has been one of the hottest names on the trade block for months now. However, with the trade deadline just a few days away, many started to believe that he might stay in Dallas after all, only for Charles Barkley to spark speculations around him once again. The 32-year-old, who has struggled with multiple injuries this season, could still fetch some decent value in the market.

That’s because even though AD hasn’t been consistent, when he’s been on the court, he’s looked quite promising. So far, he has averaged 20.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. However, the question is, will any NBA team be willing to make a bet on him?

That uncertainty stems largely from how the Mavericks currently value Davis, after the Mavericks gave up a significant package to the Lakers just nearly a year ago.  Nonetheless, if Dallas does decide to move Anthony Davis, the Atlanta Hawks could become a top landing spot for the former NBA champion, according to an NBA reporter.

The Atlanta Hawks emerge as a top destination for Anthony Davis

Although several teams have been linked with Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis in the past few months, none of them stand out as much as the Atlanta Hawks. With Trae Young switching teams midway through the season, Atlanta is in the hunt for a new face-of-the-organization-type player, and AD could be the answer to their question, according to Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea.

A proposed deal where the Hawks would acquire Anthony Davis and a 2031 first-round pick swap. Meanwhile, the Mavs will land Kristaps Porzingis, Zaccharie Risacher, and the 2031 first-round pick swap. As for the Hawks, they will get a bona fide superstar who could become the franchise’s new cornerstone.

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Davis would bring elite defensive versatility and rim protection, while also stretching the floor offensively, which Atlanta needs at the moment. On the other hand, the Mavs, who are reportedly looking for younger pieces and future assets to allow them to reset their championship window with Cooper Flagg’s timeline, will get what they want.

Porzingis will provide them with floor spacing, shot blocking, and scoring while not hampering their frontcourt. Risacher could be developed into an elite talent, with him still being pretty young. And even if he doesn’t reach his true ceiling, the former lottery pick can be used as leverage for later trades.

Not only will it match Dallas’ long-term vision with Cooper Flagg, but it will also give Atlanta what it needs right now. However, this is mere speculation for now, as the Mavs are yet to decide upon Anthony Davis’ future in Dallas, as the trade deadline closes in.