In a bold statement, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps has suggested that the Dallas Mavericks should part ways with Anthony Davis following a tumultuous season. Speaking on “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Bontemps argued that Davis should not play another game for the Mavericks and that the franchise should explore trading him this summer.
“I’m going to be honest, I don’t think Anthony Davis should ever play for the Mavericks again,” Bontemps stated. “He shouldn’t play the rest of the season, and they should trade him this summer.”
“I’m going to be honest, I don’t think Anthony Davis should ever play for the Mavericks again. He shouldn’t play the rest of the season, and they should trade him this summer.” 👀👀👀
– Tim Bontemps
(Via Hoop Collective / h/t @ClutchPoints )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 5, 2025
His comments come in the wake of a challenging period for the Mavericks, who have struggled to find their footing after acquiring Davis in a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Mavericks had high hopes for the duo of Davis and Kyrie Irving, envisioning a championship-caliber team. However, injuries have derailed those plans, with Irving suffering a season-ending ACL injury and Davis dealing with his own health concerns. The team currently sits in a precarious position in the Western Conference standings, raising questions about their ability to contend in the near future.
Bontemps highlighted the challenges facing the Mavericks, including the uncertainty surrounding Irving’s future and Davis’ contract situation. “
Kyrie Irving is going to be a 33-year-old guard who just had a catastrophic knee injury,” Bontemps noted. “Anthony Davis will have one year guaranteed left on his deal. This team has really no ability to contend as it stands now without a proper star next to Davis.”
The suggestion to trade Davis reflects a growing sentiment that the Mavericks may need to pivot and rebuild around younger talent. With the team’s championship window appearing to close, some analysts believe that moving on from Davis could be the best path forward.
As the Mavericks navigate this challenging period, the decision on Davis’ future will undoubtedly be a defining moment for the franchise. Whether they choose to retain him or explore trade options, the outcome will have significant implications for the team’s trajectory.
