Just over a year ago, the Dallas Mavericks were at the center of one of the most controversial trades in NBA history, sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The former Pelicans center had been identified as the cornerstone of the Mavs’ new defensive identity, tasked with balancing an offense led by Kyrie Irving with championship aspirations.

Misfortune hit Jason Kidd’s team hard. Irving suffered an Achilles tendon injury, while Davis continued to battle physical issues that prevented him from staying on the floor consistently. On the penultimate day of this season’s trade deadline, the former Laker was moved again, this time to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and multiple Draft picks.

The Mavericks ultimately decided not to wait for Irving’s return to evaluate the trio of Irving, Davis and Cooper Flagg, choosing instead to commit fully to a rebuild.

We’ve been unlucky with the health of our players. We never had the chance to see the group at full strength, and I’m not just talking about Davis but also Kyrie and Cooper – we never had that opportunity. AD is an incredible player and, even more so, a fantastic person. I wish him all the best in his journey in Washington

Jason Kidd

A new chapter now begins in Dallas, built around Cooper Flagg, who is leading the team with encouraging numbers in his rookie season. For Anthony Davis, meanwhile, a new opportunity opens in Washington, alongside Trae Young. Only time will tell whether Dallas should have waited to see the roster fully healthy, or if committing immediately to a rebuild around Flagg was the right call.