3 Stars the Mavericks may replace Anthony Davis with before next season

In a fitting end, the Dallas Mavericks' 2024-25 NBA season came to a close after a blowout 120-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the Play-In Tournament.

The Mavericks' defense collapsed on the biggest stage, and many flaws were exposed that Nico Harrison will need to fix by the start of next season.

While this season was filled with many shocking moments after the Luka Doncic trade, Harrison recently doubled down on his stance about the trade in a controversial press conference, where he said, "defense wins championships," over and over, and over. What's ironic about Dallas' shortcomings is that bad defense ended their season abruptly.

3 Players the Mavericks could trade Anthony Davis for this summer

It's unclear what Harrison will do to revamp Dallas' championship hopes, but it will require a brilliant offseason from the front office to get the Mavericks back in the driver's seat.

With many fans uncertain about the future of the Mavericks franchise, it may be in Harrison's best interest to blow up the roster and focus on acquiring future assets or young talent. While it might be an unpopular path, Harrison could explore trading Dallas' best asset in Anthony Davis, for an opposing center and possible assets.

3. Myles Turner

Myles Turner and the Mavericks have long been connected in possible trades or signings since the former Texas Longhorn was drafted in 2017. Turner's hometown connection, along with him being a player who can spread the floor and block shots, has left plenty of fans drooling at the sight of him in a Mavs uniform.

While Turner would become an instant fan favorite, this could be a move Harrison and the Pacers have mutual interest in if Indiana views itself as a legitimate contender. It may require the Pacers to get rid of more than they would like, but Dallas would easily get back draft compensation and a possible young player in the center swap.

It's unlikely the Mavericks will want to trade for a center of Turner's caliber if they are looking to overhaul the roster entirely to focus on the future, but there could be some mutual interest between the two franchises if the Mavericks are receiving multiple assets in the deal.

2. Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis may not be a popular name amongst Mavs fans, considering he played terribly against the Mavericks in the Play-In Tournament, but he may be a disgruntled star worth trying to get. Sabonis would offer much more playmaking, which is a problem that has come to haunt the Mavericks since trading Doncic.

Sabonis wouldn't only give the Mavericks a playmaking big, but alongside Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks may have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. It's unclear what the return value would be for a player like Sabonis, but with Davis in the mix, it could be an easy way for Dallas to stay competitive while acquiring future talent.

Sabonis may not be the defensive specialist Harrison envisioned in the Mavericks ' frontcourt, but he would give the team a different look with his playmaking and ability to punish weak defenses.

1. Zion Williamson

When Zion Williamson is healthy, he is no doubt the most explosive player on the floor. While this might be a head-scratching move for many Mavericks fans to wrap their heads around, Williamson could be the perfect Davis replacement if they can keep Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

With the center position already being a major strength for the Mavericks, it may be in their best interest to acquire an explosive player such as Williamson. The Mavericks aren't only getting a star in the former Blue Devil, but would likely get many more assets with Williamson's injury history.

It would no doubt be a gamble on Harrison's part, but he erased Dallas's future championship window when he agreed to deal Doncic to the Lakers. With Williamson on the floor, the Mavs would have multiple lob threats and plenty of scoring down low to pair alongside Irving and Klay Thompson.

Despite all of this, it's unlikely the Mavericks move on from the Davis experiment this early, especially considering who they dealt to get the former champion. Dallas will need plenty of ingenuity in the offseason to get itself back in championship contention, but it's clear all options are on the table for Harrison and the front office.