Still, Davis is a breathtaking player when he suits up, even languishing on a 14-24 Mavs team clearly pivoting in Cooper Flagg’s direction. Consider this: over Davis’ last 11 starts in which he logs at least 30 minutes (dating back to Dec. 1), he’s averaging 24.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. 

Players who put up 25 and 10, health be damned, aren’t just walking the NBA streets. Only Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo — two former MVPs and champions — are producing at those aforementioned benchmarks this season, per NBA.com tracking data. Juxtaposed with his rim protection — opponents are shooting just 54.1% at the rim when Davis is the nearest defender and nearly 10% better when he’s off the floor, a top-15 differential among players that defend at least five such shots per game — and you understand why the allure still exists. 

The Atlanta Hawks, according to rival executives and multiple agents, have been enamored with Davis for a while, even prior to trading Trae Young. And, following Young’s departure, they plan to keep him on their radar before the Feb. 5 trade deadline in attempts to pair him alongside breakout star Jalen Johnson in an uber-athletic, menacing two-way frontcourt. 

Squint hard enough, and you can see etchings of what Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh is attempting to construct. The Hawks, according to conversations with rival executives, agents and former players, are unsure of the long-term prospects of Onyeka Okongwu and Mo Gueye at center from a contention standpoint. Atlanta is an average defensive team (16th in defensive rating, per Cleaning the Glass), but a core featuring Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Johnson and Davis has enough versatility and optionality to rewrite a narrative that would have been otherwise impossible with Young as the centerpiece. 

Still, some obstacles need to be cleared. The 32-year-old is earning $54 million this season, with an additional $120 million owed over the next two years (a whopping $62.8 million player option in 2027-28) when Davis will be 34 years old. His albatross AAV is enough of a hurdle to get past, but the bulk of conversations have centered around veteran Kristaps Porziņģis, a $30 million absence-prone player now relegated to the reserves in Atlanta. 

There’s also the question of what Davis’ leaguewide interest truly is, what the Mavericks are seeking in a potential return and any middle ground that exists. League sources have identified the Toronto Raptors as another team that would entertain a Davis addition — at the right price — but this isn’t the sweepstakes from a few years ago. The combination of price tag, injury history and age have watered down Davis’ market. Dallas is currently $1.3 million below the second apron and, with hopes of gaining more flexibility, is believed to be open to moving veterans ahead of the deadline. 

One must also ponder what Davis, still with three years left on his current deal, is hoping to achieve in the interim. Naturally, the 10-time All-Star will hope to secure at least one more multiyear deal in his career. In a similar vein to Young, Davis’ appeal increases if there is an openness to inking an extension at a much more palatable price.

There’s no need for the Hawks, for as much as they desire Davis, to drive their own price up for an asset with limited interest. Atlanta could mirror Houston’s strategy in securing forward Kevin Durant, standing firm in their offer and refusing to relent, ultimately forcing Dallas to meet them in the middle.