Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks faced the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. It was the first time of the 2025-26 NBA season that the Mavericks visited the Smoothie King Center. It’s also the first time this season that Davis played at his former home court.
Davis and the Pelicans had a history from 2012 to 2019. He was the team’s franchise star, and the organization tried to build around him. However, he requested a trade out of New Orleans after seven seasons of trial and error. He was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won the NBA championship in his first season.
Seven years since getting traded, fans haven’t moved on. They let AD hear their fury in the opening quarter and booed him relentlessly.
Pelicans fans still booing Anthony Davis 7 years after he requested a trade pic.twitter.com/911fbh7xWk
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 23, 2025
With the Pelicans, the 10-time All-Star developed into one of the best big men in the league. He averaged 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. AD led New Orleans to two playoff appearances.
The team failed to form a competitive group around the former Kentucky star. The only group that helped Anthony Davis have a chance to be a playoff team was during the 2017-18 season, when he was teammates with DeMarcus Cousins. However, that didn’t last as Boogie suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
Two East teams are interested in Anthony Davis
Despite the injuries that Anthony Davis has had as of late, he’s still a major trade target among certain teams looking to upgrade their roster. This season, his name has been mentioned as someone who’s gained interest. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, two Eastern Conference teams have started to eye the five-time All-NBA star.
“The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks have widely been reported as teams with interest in Davis,” Siegel wrote.
“Both organizations envision themselves contending in the East playoff picture this season, and they each have a reason to pursue a star in the frontcourt like the Mavs’ big man.”
For the Raptors, they have also named Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis as a target. But Siegel added that the Kings’ trade actions will depend on which big man is available. The Mavericks, however, have claimed they have no intention of trading Davis.
The big man appeared in 13 games, averaging 19.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
