Anthony Davis became one of the biggest talking points in the NBA this year in a shocking blockbuster trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks, with Luka Doncic heading to the Los Angeles Lakers in return.
Following the Mavericks’ failure to make the playoffs, Sportskeeda writer Juan David proposed another high-stakes trade scenario, sending Anthony Davis to the Houston Rockets in exchange for their young core.
The Mavericks ended up 39-43 and lost against the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In. Meanwhile, the Rockets had an impressive 52-30 season but ended in an upsetting first-round exit against the Golden State Warriors.
In his mock proposal, Juan David suggested a high-stakes trade that would send Anthony Davis and Thompson to the Rockets while the Mavericks would receive Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, Dillon Brooks, and two first-round picks from 2027 and 2029.
Despite losing some of their rising guns, the Rockets retain some vital players, notably Tari Eason and Fred VanVleet. David also featured a possible lineup that includes Davis and Thompson with Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, both a part of the team’s young nucleus.
However, David also noted that the Mavericks might pass on such a risky deal. Things could change if GM Nico Harrison manages to acquire Kevin Durant in the offseason or considers getting the Rockets’ young core.
Harrison could develop Green, Smith, and Whitmore with the team’s youngsters like Dereck Lively II and Olivier Maxence-Prosper.
David also highlighted that the Mavericks could turn Brooks, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford into future draft picks, which could then be used to center the team’s roster around rising stars.
However, Anthony Davis’s long-term impact remains uncertain despite the potential of a Mavericks–Rockets trade. Now 32 and with a history of injuries, questions surround his durability and whether he can still perform at an elite level or lead his team deep into the postseason.
Anthony Davis’ Agent Explains Why the Davis–Dončić Trade Didn’t Work
The Anthony Davis–Luka Dončić trade had a lasting impact on both the Mavericks and Lakers, as neither team made a deep playoff run, raising questions about the deal’s effectiveness.
During his appearance at Chris Haynes’ podcast, Anthony Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, believes it isn’t his player’s fault for the shortcomings but rather the front offices themselves.
“That’s not on the players, those guys can go out and score 30 and 40 and 50, it’s the race of the front offices, right? Who’s going to make the proper moves for each one of those guys to be successful?” Paul said.
“As much as you want to lean on how great an individual was and or is, you also have to factor in the decision-makers to help place the proper pieces around them.”
Rich Paul, who reps Anthony Davis, on if there’s pressure on AD to prove he’s worthy of being traded for Luka Doncic: ‘That’s not on the players…It’s the race of the front offices.’ #haynesbriefs https://t.co/kPwFZk3WtB pic.twitter.com/YVW5OW1RZH
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 3, 2025
Anthony Davis averaged 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season. Despite his impressive performances with the Lakers and the Mavericks, the massive trade and his injuries prevented a breakthrough.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
