Anthony Davis’ Most Likely Trade Destination Revealed

As the year draws to a close, trade speculation surrounding Anthony Davis is beginning to intensify. The New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors have all been mentioned as teams monitoring the situation around the 10-time All-Star

However, one franchise is beginning to separate itself from the rest. The Atlanta Hawks are quietly emerging as the most aggressive potential landing spot should Davis become available, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

“The Hawks are a real-deal suitor for Davis. Just how far, though, are they willing to go in terms of a Davis offer?” Stein said in his latest report on Sunday.

While no deal appears imminent, Stein’s reporting has sharpened the focus of the rumor mill, helping distinguish which organizations are genuinely exploring trade pathways and which are simply observing developments from a distance.

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Anthony Davis and Trae Young Could Be Set to Switch Teams

One of the most notable elements of Stein’s report centers on Trae Young, long viewed as untouchable in Atlanta. That stance may be shifting.

“There is a growing belief leaguewide that the Hawks are more open to trading him away than they’ve ever been,” said Stein. “But what happens to their payroll if no such trade materializes and Young winds up exercising that option?”

Young is nearing the end of his five year, $215 million contract and holds a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. That looming decision places Atlanta in a difficult position, weighing whether to explore trade options now or risk losing leverage later.

The context of Young’s season has only added to the conversation. After missing 22 games with a sprained right MCL, the Hawks went 13-9 in his absence. Since his return just before Christmas, Atlanta have struggled, dropping six straight games and losing 10 of their latest 12, reigniting debate about the team’s on court balance.

Through 10 games this season, Young is averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists while shooting just 30.5% from three-point range, his lowest mark since his rookie year in 2018-19. Defensively, concerns persist. His size and role in pick and roll coverage continue to be targeted by opposing offenses, particularly during extended stretches.

While Young remains an elite playmaker, his 2025-26 campaign has been shaped by missed time, inconsistent efficiency, and increasing questions about long-term fit within Atlanta’s evolving vision.

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Former First Overall Pick Could Be Included in Talks

Stein also reported that former number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher may not be off limits if the right opportunity arises.

“It is also increasingly believed that Atlanta is willing to surrender Zaccharie Risacher in the proverbial right scenario, since the No. 1 overall pick in the draft just 18 months ago has not developed as the Hawks would have hoped to this point,” said Stein.

“Yet even if the Hawks are prepared to package Risacher with the expiring contracts held by Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard for Davis, it is unclear how much additional draft compensation they would be willing or able to add to the deal to convince the Mavericks to part with Davis in season.”

Risacher has flashed promise early in his career and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, but his development has been uneven. Around the league, some evaluators now view his ceiling as that of a high-level role player rather than a franchise cornerstone, a projection that falls short of typical expectations for a top overall pick.

Taken together, Atlanta’s apparent willingness to discuss both Young and Risacher shows how fluid the franchise’s direction has become. As the Hawks weigh a longer term reset against the appeal of a win now move, Anthony Davis stands at the center of one of the most consequential trade storylines of the season.

Matt Evans Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans