Overview
- Chris Haynes and Marc Stein report Atlanta is a real-deal pursuer for Anthony Davis, with early frameworks not sending Trae Young to Dallas.
- Stein says league belief is rising that Atlanta is more willing than ever to move Young, and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon adds the Hawks made no extension push and are seeking an exit ramp.
- Dallas is described as prioritizing expiring contracts, draft capital and young players such as Zaccharie Risacher over a guard like Young, making multi-team constructs more plausible.
- Potential Hawks packages discussed include the expiring salaries of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard plus prospects, while Jalen Johnson and the 2026 first-rounder Atlanta controls are viewed as off-limits, per Stein.
- Davis has played only 16 games due to a mild groin strain and is expected to seek an August extension, with some Mavericks leaders inclined to wait to evaluate their core before any in-season move as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches.