Mavericks predicted to turn Anthony Davis blockbuster trade into even more of a win

The Dallas Mavericks' Anthony Davis blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards has already been a major win for them, as Davis hasn't played a game for the Wizards. On the other hand, Dallas acquired four players and five draft picks for the 6-foot-10 big man. Mavericks fans were ready to move on from Davis after his time with the team didn't go according to plan, and this massive, but sudden, trade with Washington allowed them to do that.

Their decision to move on from Davis is looking better by the day, and it's about to get even better for them during free agency since they were predicted to pull off a sign-and-trade with Khris Middleton.

Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes made a free agency prediction for every team, and he believes that a sign-and-trade makes the most sense for Middleton. He was one of the key players that the Mavericks acquired in the Davis trade, and his time in Dallas could be over after just a few months.

Khris Middleton is no longer a fit in Dallas

This has nothing to do with his skill, but more to do with the Mavs' situation. If anything, the three-time All-Star proved that he can be a contributor off the bench for a good team with his shooting and three-level scoring.

He's worth more than a veteran minimum contract after averaging 10.0 points per game for Dallas while shooting 39.1 percent from the field, but with cap space hard to come by around the NBA, it seems likely that there will be a sign-and-trade to send him to his destination of choice. For reference, this is how Dallas signed Klay Thompson in the summer of 2024.

This would allow a team that can't afford to sign Middleton outright to bring in a player who can make an impact right away, all while giving the Mavs assets for helping facilitate the deal. The return package for such a deal is unclear, but it would likely include some second-round draft capital and a potential rotation player.

Why a sign-and-trade would be beneficial for the Mavs

This is better than nothing, especially because Middleton doesn't make sense in Dallas anymore. The Davis trade is the gift that keeps giving, and a Middleton sign-and-trade this summer seemed likely the second that he didn't pursue a buyout from the Mavericks.

There were teams interested in signing the veteran wing for the end of the 2025-26 season if he did ask for a buyout, but he preferred to preserve his bird rights. This was a clear sign that a sign-and-trade was in play this offseason.

While Middleton had some great moments in Dallas, it makes the most sense for the team to move on. The Mavs are trying to rebuild around Cooper Flagg, and holding onto a wing who turns 35 before next season begins doesn't really fit their vision. Dallas needs to get the most value back for him, and a sign-and-trade would allow them to do that.

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