When the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić in last season’s blockbuster, Dallas was clearly reeling. The city had just given up its beloved 25-year-old superstar.
The Mavericks GM at the time, Nico Harrison, assured the fans that Anthony Davis was exactly the defensive piece they planned to build on. He said it was a move for the now and the future.
There is a reason I said the Mavericks GM “at the time”. Since then, even after winning the lottery and drafting Cooper Flagg number one overall, the Mavericks have been incredibly underwhelming, leading to the firing of Harrison.
More: Why did Mavericks fire Nico Harrison? Dallas parts ways with GM responsible for Luka Doncic trade
Since Harrison’s firing, the rumor mill has been buzzing with the likely possibility that the Mavericks seek to trade Anthony Davis, who’s been hurt for much of this season. He’s an appealing player, obviously, but teams are being cautious for good reason.
Teams need Davis to lose weight before considering trading for him
According to Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal, teams that are currently interested in Davis are only interested on the condition that he loses weight.
NBA teams interested in trading for Anthony Davis hope he loses weight, per @DALHoopsJournal
“Multiple teams are interested in trading for Davis, but those teams believe he needs to lose weight so he can be the mobile threat he usually is.”
(https://t.co/6ySV6X1wJI) pic.twitter.com/q2pn9OjBzT
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 15, 2025
During Davis’ time in LA, his weight and conditioning issues actually became one of the leading causes of him being shipped off for Dončić. This season, he came into Mavericks camp visibly out of shape. More weight than he ever carried in LA.
Any team that is going to give up assets for a 32-year-old big with a history of injury issues is more than reasonable in making sure he’s at least at his peak of fitness.
Teams are saying that, while carrying extra weight, he doesn’t look like the hypermobile threat he was for the majority of his career. Ever since he attempted to put on weight to play center in Los Angeles, his speed, agility, and even his three-point shot have suffered.
Lakers brass and fans alike both know this to be true and likely can’t fault teams for clocking it.
