Anthony Davis blockbuster trade keeps getting better for the Mavericks

When the Dallas Mavericks first acquired Anthony Davis, the organization believed he was the missing piece to help the team get back to the NBA Finals. Things, though, never panned out, as Davis suffered numerous injuries and was traded last month. It's a move that has worked in their favor, especially with Dallas' newest additions and Davis' disastrous season.

Dallas traded Davis last month in a three-team deal that brought in multiple draft picks, along with Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, and Tyus Jones. Middleton and Bagley III have become key rotational pieces, making an immediate impact. They have helped solidify Dallas' frontcourt and presence on the wing. Their early contributions also have fans pushing for their return this summer, as they'll both become free agents after this season.

Middleton and Bagley's early success is the icing on the cake of the Davis trade. The Mavs' ability to get rid of the big man also helped them achieve one of their top seasonal goals, signing Ryan Nembhard to a standard contract. The move solidifies Dallas' new motto to build around Cooper Flagg.

It's fair to say that trading Anthony Davis has worked in the Mavs' favor so far, and their future is looking brighter than ever.

Why Middleton and Bagley III are proving the trade right

As mentioned, there have been many silver linings to the Anthony Davis trade. The main thing has been the players that Dallas received in return. Bagley III and Middleton's production has exceeded expectations, possibly forcing the team to re-sign them.

Examine Bagley III, for example. He has been the missing center Dallas needed, as Dereck Lively II nurses a season-ending injury. His recent success could force the team to reexamine trading Daniel Gafford in the offseason. Bagley III has proven he could be the perfect backup to Lively II and an important part of the Mavs' future.

Bagley III, though, isn't the only newest Maverick making an immediate impact. Middleton has also played well during his time. The NBA veteran has shown he still has plenty in the tank. His high production and scoring could benefit Flagg's future team, as the Dallas rookie will need all the help he can get in the scoring and shooting departments.

Re-signing Middleton should be an obvious choice for Dallas. His time with the team, along with Bagley III, exceeds Davis' production with the Washington Wizards. The former Maverick has yet to step on the floor for his new team, and it's a good thing Dallas traded him. Davis' unpredictable injuries made it difficult to trust him, and it looks like he won't even play this season.

The Anthony Davis trade set up Dallas for a promising future

Getting rid of Davis and his massive contract gives the Mavericks the flexibility they need to build around Cooper Flagg, and this alone makes the trade worth it. Dallas got out of multiple bad contracts when making this deal, and this will certainly pay off in the long run.

The Davis trade not only brought new players but also led the Mavs to sign Nembhard to a standard contract. Dallas had been trying to sign the rookie to a deal for months, and the team was able to do this by releasing newcomer Tyus Jones to make room.

So, while some fans still question why Dallas traded Davis, the move has clearly swayed in their favor. It has allowed the team to accomplish many of their goals and heal the pain Nico Harrison left behind, while also having a clear excuse to tank for the rest of the year.

This is something that Dallas desperately needed to do, and trading Davis and shutting down Kyrie Irving for the year made their direction clear. The Davis trade helped the Mavericks turn the page on a dreadful era, and getting rid of Davis, along with three unplayable players, put Dallas in a good spot to build a future contender.

The only thing that would make the Davis trade even better would be if Dallas re-signs Bagley III and Middleton. Both players have done more for the team than Davis since the trade (considering he hasn't played), and their return would be the perfect move. Fans can only hope the organization makes the right decision and finds a way to keep both players as key pieces off the bench.