Anthony Davis bombshell finally gives a Mavericks trade real hope

Anthony Davis trade rumors have been flowing over the last few days, and some of the Eastern Conference's biggest names have been mentioned as potential teams that are interested in him. While there has been a mix of plenty of smoke and true rumors, a recent report indicating that every team in the East believes they are a Davis away from contending has finally given Dallas Mavericks fans some hope when it comes to Davis' potential return in a trade.

“'Every team in the East believes they’re an Anthony Davis away from making the finals,' one high-level league source said," according to Sam Amick and Christian Clark of "The Athletic."

For the Mavericks, this is huge news, especially considering that conflicting reports had already indicated that Davis' market was souring and would be full of expiring contracts and little to no draft compensation. If this report is factual, then the Mavericks should have a genuine competitive market for Davis, allowing them to drive up the price for teams that are actually interested.

The rest of the NBA highly values Anthony Davis

With the trade deadline inching closer by each passing day, the league just fired off its first trade of the season after witnessing Trae Young get packaged to the Washington Wizards, which in return has amped up Davis trade rumors. It's unclear whether or not the Mavericks will be pulling the trigger on a Davis trade any time soon, but with rumors and reports coming out every day, it finally appears that the Mavericks are ready to trade Davis.

Now, with every team in the East believing that they are a Davis away from competing in a wide-open conference, the Mavericks can drive up Davis' market. This would mean teams like the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and even the Toronto Raptors could be potential suitors for the 10-time All-Star.

For Davis, it's still unclear what market he might attract, considering he is in year one of a three-year, $175 million contract, but it should be a given that even if some high-dollar expiring contracts are needed in a Davis trade package, the Mavs can acquire young talent or draft picks with a competitive market.

To many fans, it might seem like the Mavericks are gearing up for a trade in the coming days or even ready to pull the trigger on a deal. It will be very important that the front office listens to every phone call and package they have sent their way before making a final decision. Making a premature decision could not only sour out Davis' return, but it could spell disaster for Cooper Flagg and his future if the Mavericks fail to attract young talent or future draft compensation.

Just about every team in the East has an intriguing young player or their own first-round picks over the next few years, which is why it's important that the Mavericks capitalize on this market. With the East still wide open and teams appearing to be interested, the Mavs have the perfect opportunity to milk out a sizable return in a trade for Davis.