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HomeDallas MavericksRich Paul Rips ‘Fake News’ About Pushing Dallas Mavericks To Trade Anthony Davis
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Rich Paul Rips ‘Fake News’ About Pushing Dallas Mavericks To Trade Anthony Davis

Nitish SinghNitish Singh
Rich Paul attends a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena
Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Anthony Davis’ tenure with the Dallas Mavericks has entered a complicated phase ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, not because of anything that has happened on the court, but because of differing perspectives behind the scenes.

That tension stems from a disconnect between Davis and his representation, first reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. During an ABC/ESPN broadcast, MacMahon said there have been “trade discussions” involving Davis and that his agent, Rich Paul, “has made it clear he thinks it’s in AD’s best interest to be traded,” while also noting that Davis “has not been pushing to be moved and is comfortable” in Dallas.

MacMahon characterized the agent’s stance even more directly in earlier reporting, saying, “It is very clear that Rich Paul, who represents Anthony Davis, wants Anthony Davis traded before the deadline.”

The situation is complicated further by how it has been received internally. Team-side sourcing tied to MacMahon’s reporting has produced quotes such as, “Rich Paul is not going to bully us,” reflecting frustration within the Mavericks organization over what is viewed as persistent lobbying for a deal.

Dallas acquired Davis in February 2025 as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that reshaped the league and reset the franchise’s direction. Since arriving, the Mavericks have positioned Davis as the centerpiece of their defense and a focal point of their frontcourt offense.

When healthy, Davis remains one of the league’s most impactful two-way big men, providing rim protection, rebounding, and efficient scoring. Dallas has given him a central role and built a system tailored around his strengths. After the upheaval of a midseason trade, stability carries its own appeal.

Rich Paul Pushes Back on Trade Narrative

Paul, however, is looking at the situation through a broader lens. On his podcast Game Over with Max and Rich, he forcefully denied reports that he demanded a trade, calling them “fake news” and criticizing how aggregated speculation can distort reality. 

“I know what was said,” Paul said. “That thing was aggregated. This is the power of the internet. If you’re wondering why Rich Paul has a podcast, this is part of the reason why. … The reality of it is, that’s fake news. When you have a player that’s on a team, it’s not like you want guys to move for the sake of being moved.”

Paul emphasized that his focus remains on his client’s long-term well-being and financial positioning rather than allegiance to a specific franchise.

“I really don’t care where the money comes from,” Paul said. “The money can come from the 31st team in the NBA for all I care.”

The broader issue tying the situation together is health and contract security. Davis’ availability has long been a factor teams must manage carefully, and that reality has not changed in Dallas.

Dallas Mavericks Still Unsure About Anthony Davis’ Future

The Mavericks, for their part, are reportedly cautious about committing to a full max extension this offseason. That hesitation alone is enough to keep trade conversations alive, even if neither side is aggressively pushing the issue.

For Dallas, the decision is delicate. Moving Davis would signal another reset just months after trading away a franchise cornerstone. Keeping him without long-term clarity risks asset uncertainty. For Davis, forcing an exit could feel premature, but staying without extension assurance carries its own risks.

Nothing appears imminent. What is clear is that Davis’ future is no longer a simple question of on-court fit. It has become a balancing act involving player comfort, agent strategy, and a franchise still navigating its post-Dončić identity — one that may come into sharper focus as the offseason approaches.

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Tags :Anthony DavisDallas MavericksKlutch SportsNBA Trade RumorsRich PaulTim MacMahon

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