Just when it seemed as though the Atlanta Hawks could finally separate themselves from Luka Doncic, he's offered them one last parting gift. The Hawks infamously traded Doncic for Trae Young on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft, and have now parted with their franchise player.
Atlanta already has its next move lined up, however, with Anthony Davis appearing to be the star they're hoping to bring in to anchor the interior—a trade made possible by Doncic.
The Los Angeles Lakers completed a stunning trade for Doncic roughly one year ago. In return, the Dallas Mavericks received Davis, Max Christie, and a single first-round draft pick that will convey in 2029, when the Lakers are hoping Doncic will still be leading the team to prominence.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are hoping Cooper Flagg will have turned their franchise around by then, as the Davis era has yet to truly take hold.
Davis has appeared in just 28 games since the Mavericks acquired him in February of 2025. With Kyrie Irving simultaneously missing the entire 2025-26 season up to this point with a torn ACL, the Mavericks simply haven't gotten the post-Doncic era off the ground.
As a result, the Hawks are circling the wagons on a trade for Davis.
Moving Young also provides Atlanta with added financial flexibility to pursue a large salary over the next several months – with Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis as a prime in-season trade target.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2026
It's far from hyperbolic to state that a potential trade for Davis has been made possible by Doncic being sent to the Lakers.
Luka Doncic trade made Anthony Davis a realistic Hawks target
Atlanta's interest in Davis appears to be founded in the belief that he and Jalen Johnson can anchor the future of the interior. There's certainly reason for intrigue, as Davis is one of the most decorated players of his generation.
Davis is an NBA champion, five-time All-NBA honoree, five-time All-Defense selectee, and 10-time All-Star who offers elite production when healthy on both ends of the floor.
Davis boasts career averages of 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 offensive rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals on 52.2 percent shooting from the field. It simply can't be overstated how much gravity he has on both ends of the floor, with attention constantly turning to him no matter the opponent.
In theory, that could simplify the game for Johnson and the remaining cast of core players who would remain on the roster after a trade for Davis.
The question, of course, is what the Hawks will ultimately have to give up to acquire Davis. Regardless of what the answer may be, the door has been opened by the 2025 trade of Doncic for Davis in an almost poetic manner.
In one last reminder of what could've been, the Hawks can at least thank Doncic for the opportunity to complete the trade they seem to be eyeing.