On August 9, 1988, Wayne Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. As the NHL’s most prominent player at the time, his move surprised people throughout the sport.

Gretzky’s arrival in LA set off ripple effects across the sport, from new U.S. franchises and rising youth participation to increased national coverage and, eventually, stronger interest in hockey among sports bettors.

How Gretzky Shifted National Attention to Los Angeles

Gretzky’s arrival placed the NHL in a much larger media spotlight. The Kings, who previously received limited attention compared to other Los Angeles teams, became a major sports story across the country. His presence brought regular national television coverage and raised interest well beyond traditional hockey areas.

Los Angeles’ entertainment industry also played a part. Celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, Tom Hanks, and Goldie Hawn regularly attended Kings games, and Gretzky’s wife, actress Janet Jones, further anchored him in the Hollywood spotlight. Gretzky later described the experience by recalling how surprising it was to see so many well-known actors at their games and how this attention brought a different kind of visibility to the sport.

The Kings also scheduled numerous preseason games in cities without NHL teams. These games introduced professional hockey to new regions, where many people already recognized Gretzky and compared his standing to athletes like Michael Jordan.

Expansion and the Arrival of New NHL Franchises

When the trade occurred, the NHL had 21 teams, and the Kings were the only American team located west of Minnesota. After Gretzky joined the Kings, interest in the sport spread across several regions — a period that saw the creation of new franchises:

• San Jose Sharks (1991–92)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (1992–93)
• Florida Panthers (1993–94)
• Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1993–94)

By 2013, 23 out of 30 NHL teams were based in the United States. A total of 10 U.S. franchises were created or relocated after the trade, and five of those teams won the Stanley Cup: the Kings, Ducks, Hurricanes, Lightning, and Avalanche.

According to documented details, teams such as the Ducks, Panthers, and Coyotes likely would not have existed in the 1990s without the increased interest caused by Gretzky’s move. His arrival also contributed to NHL success in areas where the league had not succeeded in earlier attempts, including the Bay Area and Denver.

Gretzky described the growth of fan support in California by recalling a night when the Kings drew 18,500 fans, and the Ducks drew 17,000, resulting in a total of 35,000 people attending NHL games in the state on the same evening. He said that this moment showed how far hockey in California had progressed and that his move to Los Angeles had come at an ideal time.

California’s Participation Boom and the Rise of New NHL Talent

Before 1988, California had produced five NHL players. As participation increased, the number grew to 27, including first-round draft picks Jonathon Blum (2007), Beau Bennett (2010), and Emerson Etem (2010).

Participation numbers show the growth clearly:

• 1990–91: 4,483 players
• 1995–96: 15,537 players — a 221.7% increase during Gretzky’s final season in Los Angeles
• 2009–10: 20,204 players

Growth extended across the country. Between 1991 and 2010, 15 states recorded hockey participation increases of 150% or more, including:

• Texas: 1,156.8%
• Florida: 804.7%
• North Carolina: 502.6%

In the 2000s, NHL teams drafted 564 American-born players, the highest total of any decade. Many of these players developed during the years influenced by Gretzky’s presence in Los Angeles.

International competition also showed the reach of this growth. At the 2010 World Junior Championships, the U.S. roster included 10 players from nontraditional hockey states. At the 2013 World Junior Championships in Russia, the American team featured players from 13 different states, including strong performances from Rocco Grimaldi of California and Seth Jones of Texas.

National Broadcasting Growth After the Trade

The NHL’s expanded presence in major American markets helped secure a significant media agreement. In 2011, the league signed a 10-year, $2 billion television contract with NBC Sports. The deal relied on the growing interest in markets such as Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Phoenix, markets strengthened by the surge that followed the Gretzky trade.

Sports Betting Expansion Connected to Hockey’s Rising Popularity

Sports betting expanded after the May 2018 Supreme Court decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The ruling allowed states to legalize sports gambling. Many states have enacted laws permitting and regulating sports betting, with additional states expected to follow.

As betting became more common, hockey attracted more bettors. The NHL formed partnerships with sportsbooks and betting companies that provided data, technology, and a range of wagering options — all of which created new revenue sources and increased fan engagement across the league.

With just over a month of the 2025-26 season completed, front offices across the league have already begun preparing for what could become an unusually active trade period. The official deadline arrives on Feb. 5, but the combination of early injuries, contract decisions, and public—or internal—friction has caused several high-profile names to surface sooner than expected. The picture forming includes franchise guards, All-Star big men, and young players affected by shifting roles or contract structures.

Early Kings Turmoil and the Sabonis Question

The Sacramento Kings moved deeper into uncertainty after the Phoenix Suns ended their two-game winning streak, dropping the Kings to 5-14. Before that loss, a local radio host reported the franchise was moving toward a multi-year rebuild and was open to hearing offers for Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and others.

General manager Monte McNair later held a 30-minute conversation with a reporter about the organization’s direction. Sabonis, who led the league in rebounds for three straight seasons and is a steady double-double player and strong passing big, is out for two to three weeks with a left knee meniscus tear. His defensive issues and lack of three-point attempts complicate roster construction. After this season, he is owed about 94.1 million dollars over two years, roughly 27 to 28 percent of the salary cap each year. He has three All-Star selections and two All-NBA appearances since 2019-20, though it is unclear whether Sacramento would receive a return matching his résumé.

LaMelo Ball: Conflicting Signals and Charlotte’s Concerns

LaMelo Ball’s situation became uncertain after Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reported in late November that Ball had grown frustrated with the Hornets and was open to a trade. Ball denied that report the next day and told reporters he loved being in Charlotte. Iko also reported that the Hornets’ front office had become hesitant about Ball as a long-term core piece and had grown disillusioned with him, leaving the team open to trading him.

Ball has played only 105 of 246 possible games from 2022-23 through 2024-25 due to repeated ankle injuries and has already missed six games this season for the same issue. He is averaging 20.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 6.5 rebounds while shooting a career-low 38.6 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three. He has never shot above 44 percent in any season and continues to struggle with turnovers. Since drafting him No. 3 in 2020, Charlotte has gone 147-418, the league’s third-worst record in that span. Ball is in year two of a five-year, $203.8-million-dollar max contract.

Ja Morant’s Strained Season and Memphis’ Evaluation

Ja Morant’s season shifted on Halloween when he scored eight points in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. When asked about his performance, he told reporters to direct their questions to the coaching staff. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, head coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership and effort after the game, and Morant responded in a tone considered inappropriate and dismissive. The Grizzlies suspended him for one game. After returning, Morant said he no longer felt his usual joy for basketball.

The Grizzlies are 6-11, and Morant is now sidelined with a calf strain. His recent seasons include suspensions, reports of insubordination, stagnation as a shooter, and production near career lows. He finished seventh in MVP voting in 2021-22 and 12th in 2022-23, which may draw interest from teams seeking a high-upside player. Memphis already traded Desmond Bane to Orlando for a package including four first-round picks, and a similar offer for Morant could accelerate a rebuild.

Atlanta Considers Its Direction With Trae Young After Extension Talks Stall

In mid-August, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks had no plans to begin contract-extension talks. Fischer wrote that Young’s representatives had anticipated playing out the final guaranteed year of his current deal rather than extending early.

Young was shooting career lows—37.1 percent from the field and 19.2 percent from three—before an MCL sprain five games into the season sidelined him. His 6-foot-1, 164-pound frame makes him a defensive target. If he seeks a max contract next offseason, the Hawks must decide whether to keep him through the deadline or pursue a trade. Atlanta signed Dyson Daniels to a four-year, $100 million extension and has Jalen Johnson under a contract paying $30 million per year for four seasons, giving the team financial certainty as it considers Young’s future.

Golden State Faces a Kuminga Decision as Trade Eligibility Nears

Jonathan Kuminga’s role changed twice in the early season. Head coach Steve Kerr said he would be a starter going forward and expressed confidence in him. Two weeks later, Kerr returned him to the bench. Kuminga played 12 minutes in that game and has been out with bilateral knee tendinitis. A team source told ESPN’s Anthony Slater that Kuminga feels he is being made the scapegoat.

Kuminga signed a two-year, 48.5-million-dollar contract shortly before the qualifying-offer deadline. Shams Charania reported that the deal was designed so the Warriors—or any team acquiring him this season—could replace the contract with a new one after the 2025-26 campaign. A veteran executive told Marc Stein of The Stein Line that Kuminga’s contract is one of the top trade assets in the league. He becomes trade-eligible on Jan. 15.

Three-Team Framework Connecting Warriors, Mavericks, and Bulls Gains Momentum

Golden State also appears in a three-team trade concept involving the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls, centered on the Warriors acquiring Daniel Gafford from Dallas.

The early outline includes:

• Golden State receiving Gafford and possibly an expiring contract
• Dallas receiving Coby White and draft assets
• Chicago receiving Jonathan Kuminga

The structure addresses specific needs. Gafford would give the Warriors rim protection, finishing, vertical spacing, shot-blocking, and rebounding depth behind Draymond Green. Dallas would add a guard who offers scoring and playmaking while supporting rookie Cooper Flagg, along with draft capital and expiring deals for flexibility. Chicago would add a young, athletic wing with scoring upside suited to rebuilding or retooling.

Bill Simmons noted that the concept reflected recent trade proposals, player data, and trade-strategy analysis.

Gafford is averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 70.2 percent shooting, and a 7.3 percent block rate. White is averaging 14.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 44.1 percent shooting, and a 0.5 percent block rate. Kuminga is averaging 12.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 44.6 percent shooting, and a 0.8 percent block rate. Gafford, 27, is under contract for $54 million over three years. White, 25, has two years and 20 million dollars remaining. Kuminga, 22, remains on a rookie-scale deal.

The main concerns involve the Warriors giving up picks and a young player, Dallas losing a productive center who fits well next to Luka Dončić, and the Bulls needing to adjust their rotation. Gafford’s ability to adapt to Golden State’s system also remains a consideration.

Additional Rumors Involving DeRozan, Anthony Davis, LaMelo Ball, and Ja Morant

DeMar DeRozan and the Clippers:

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Clippers have interest in DeRozan as the Kings approach a possible roster teardown. His contract guarantees 10 million dollars out of 27 million for next season. The Clippers are 5-12 and rank 21st in offensive rating. DeRozan provides scoring, but is 36 and has never been a strong defender.

Anthony Davis and Dallas:

Anthony Davis has not played since Oct. 29 due to a calf strain. Earlier in the season, he appeared out of shape and struggled defensively. After Nico Harrison’s firing, he became a trade chip, but Tim Bontemps of ESPN reported that his injury history and contract—worth 54.1 million, 58.4 million, and 62.7 million dollars over three years—have limited interest.

LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant Updates:

Jake Fischer reported that while discussions about trading Ball are premature, the Hornets could explore options before the deadline. Ball has played only 20 more games than Zion Williamson over his career due to ankle injuries.

Bontemps also reported that Memphis will explore the trade market for Morant, though it may be difficult to find a package worth considering because of his off-court issues, lack of shooting improvement, and the Grizzlies’ 6-11 record.

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner spoke with reporters in a video conference call, offering a detailed explanation of the team’s payroll expectations for 2026, the club’s major operating costs, and his position on possible changes to Major League Baseball’s economic structure. His comments followed a season in which the Yankees carried one of the largest payrolls in the sport and entered an offseason involving qualifying offers, free-agent decisions, and industry discussions about spending rules across the league.

Steinbrenner Explains $319M Payroll and 2026 Plans

Steinbrenner stated that the Yankees finished the season at $319 million in payroll, according to reporting from The New York Post’s Greg Joyce. When he was asked whether the team could spend less in 2026, he responded with a clear explanation of the situation, “Would it be ideal if I went down [with the payroll]? Of course. But does that mean that’s going to happen? Of course not. We want to field a team we know we believe could win a championship.”

General manager Brian Cashman, speaking at the general manager meetings, said the Yankees had not yet provided him with a specific payroll number for the winter. He described the offseason as a process of understanding which players were available and at what cost, and said that the $22 million qualifying offer accepted by outfielder Trent Grisham would not interfere with the team’s pursuit of free agent Cody Bellinger:

“I think we’re in a good spot… The job right now is to find out what’s available, and those all have different price points… It just depends on how things shake out and what opportunities present themselves.”

Sportsbooks posted futures shortly after the season ended, and the Yankees appeared near the top of the boards. Across major betting outlets, the Yankees were consistently listed as the second favorite to win the 2026 World Series, typically in the +700 to +800 range, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won their second straight World Series by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games. Books also placed the Yankees among the leading contenders to win the American League, and Aaron Judge appeared as an early AL MVP favorite around +300.

Steinbrenner Addresses $100M NYC Payment and Profit Claims

When asked about the belief that the Yankees, often described as Major League Baseball’s most valuable franchise, operate with consistent profits, Steinbrenner gave a direct answer through MLB reporter Bryan Hoch. He said the claim was inaccurate and stated that discussions about revenue overlook the scale of the team’s financial obligations.

“Everybody wants to talk about revenues. They need to talk about our expenses, including the $100 million dollar expense to the City of New York that we have to pay every February 1, including the Covid year. So it all starts to add up in a hurry,” he said.

He also stated that these costs do not change the team’s overall spending profile, saying the Yankees have “always” been among the highest payroll clubs and “always will be.”

At the end of the regular season, excluding contract bonuses, the Yankees carried a $301 million payroll and faced a projected $62 million luxury tax bill. The team has paid the luxury tax in 21 of 23 seasons, with payments that total more than $500 million since the system began in 2003.

Steinbrenner Discusses Salary Cap, Salary Floor, and 2026 CBA

During the call, Steinbrenner was asked whether he supports a salary cap in the next collective bargaining agreement. He said, “I don’t feel like I’m in position right now research-wise, knowledge-wise to answer that question.”

He did say he might support a cap if it included a salary floor, describing a floor as something that could improve competitive balance if structured in a reasonable way. He said many fans believe the league has not made enough progress in this area, though he said some improvements have occurred over the past decade.

The league’s current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026. During the last round of negotiations, MLB’s owners carried out a lockout that lasted 99 days before the sides reached a five-year deal on March 10, preserving a full 162-game season that began one week late.

Baseball players have experienced nine work stoppages, including the 7½-month strike in 1994–95, which stopped a prior salary cap proposal.

Qualifying Offers, Free-Agent Targets, and Next Plan

The Yankees’ offseason officially began when Trent Grisham accepted the $22 million, one-year qualifying offer. He was one of four players to accept a qualifying offer this year, along with:

• Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers second baseman
• Shota Imanaga, Chicago Cubs left-hander
• Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander

The Yankees are also expected to pursue Cody Bellinger, who earned $27.5 million last season. When the Cubs traded Bellinger to New York, they sent $5 million to the Yankees as part of the terms of his $80 million, three-year contract, which includes two player options. In his season with New York, Bellinger batted .272, hit 29 home runs, and recorded 98 RBIs.

Looking ahead, Steinbrenner said payroll levels could change year to year depending on available opportunities, “It doesn’t mean they won’t go slightly down one year and then up the year after that. It all depends on what’s out there and what possibilities are and how much I feel we’re able to or we need to pull the trigger on those possibilities.”

The Yankees are expected to discuss a payroll range before the Winter Meetings as they evaluate outfield additions, pitching depth, and other roster needs. The club has not won the World Series since 2009 but continues to operate with one of MLB’s highest payrolls and remains positioned to pursue players capable of shifting the roster into championship contention.

The news arrived less than an hour after the New York Giants became the first NFL team eliminated from postseason contention. Soon after, the New York Mets traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien in a direct one-for-one exchange.

The trade followed the Mets’ September 29 season-ending press conference, where president of baseball operations David Stearns repeatedly used the term “run prevention” and made clear that roster changes were coming.

A Veteran-for-Veteran Deal Breaks from Sentiment

For fans, this trade looked like a “change of scenery” move. But Nimmo’s 14-year connection to the Mets added an emotional weight. He was known for being friendly to everyone, fans, media, teammates, and always available to explain or clarify anything asked of him. Even so, the Mets’ final record of 83-79 and their estimated $340 million payroll, which came with a luxury tax bill of about $90 million, left little room for decisions based on nostalgia.

Nimmo had completed three seasons of the eight-year, $162 million contract he signed after reaching free agency for the first time following a stronger 2022 regular season and a disappointing postseason. But moving on from sentimental players is not unusual in New York sports.

New York sports history is full of emotionally charged trades. After the 1974 season, the Yankees traded Bobby Murcer to the San Francisco Giants for Bobby Bonds. Murcer struggled with the hitting environment at Shea Stadium that year, while Bonds entered the trade after three straight seasons with at least 40 steals. In his lone year with the Yankees, Bonds hit .270 with 32 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 30 steals. Murcer later returned in 1979 and produced the game-winning hit off Tippy Martinez in the game after Thurman Munson’s funeral. Bonds’ performance with New York eventually helped the Yankees acquire Ed Figueroa and Mickey Rivers, both key contributors to their title teams.

Earlier examples include the Dodgers trading Jackie Robinson to the Giants after the 1956 season. Robinson, 37 and coming off a .275 year, chose to retire rather than report to the Giants. In 1977, the Mets moved Tom Seaver to the Cincinnati Reds during a dispute involving chairman M. Donald Grant. The Mets did not begin winning consistently again until 1984.

Marcus Semien’s Arrival and What the Mets Are Banking On

For the Mets, the present is centered on Marcus Semien, who arrives with a long track record suggesting he can contribute to their next successful era. Semien, entering his age-36 season, is a two-time Gold Glove winner and one of MLB’s most durable infielders.

He debuted in 2013 after being selected by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. His career has taken him to the White Sox (2013–14), Oakland Athletics (2015–20), Toronto Blue Jays (2021), and Texas Rangers (2022–25). His breakout came in 2021 with Toronto, where he posted a .265/.334/.538 slash line, hit a career-high 45 home runs, and tallied 102 RBIs—a season that earned him All-Star honors and a Silver Slugger award.

His performance helped him land a seven-year, $175 million contract with Texas as part of a $500 million infield overhaul alongside Corey Seager. Semien hit .276 with 29 home runs and 100 RBIs in 2023, helping Texas win its first World Series title.

But his production dipped sharply afterward. In 2024, he batted .237, and in 2025, he hit .230 with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs across 127 games—his lowest full-season home run total since 2018. His season ended after he fouled a ball off his foot on August 18 in Kansas City, sidelining him for the final 5.5 weeks.

Defensively, however, he remained one of baseball’s best. Semien won his second Gold Glove in 2025 with +7 Outs Above Average, ranking in the 92nd percentile at second base. Over 1,629 career games, he holds a .253 batting average, 253 home runs, and 801 RBIs.

According to ESPN on November 23, 2025, team sources said, “The acquisition of Semien—who won his second Gold Glove this year—aligns with president of baseball operations David Stearns’ primary goal this winter of improving run prevention.”

MLB Trade Rumors added the next day that Semien also brings a needed right-handed bat to a lineup that “leaned left” and has now lost an everyday left-handed hitter in Nimmo.

Stearns stressed “defensive excellence as our north star” during a November 22 press conference, as reported by the New York Post. SNY analysts Steve Gelbs and Andy Martino called the trade a “bold pivot toward contention” during their November 23 broadcast, praising Semien’s durability even after an age-35 offensive dip.

SI.com on November 23 rated the deal a B+ for New York, noting that its “defensive gains outweigh offensive tweaks.”

Semien is expected to hit second or third in the Mets’ order and form a strong middle-infield partnership with Francisco Lindor. Nimmo’s departure opens flexibility in the outfield for prospects or free agents and allows resources to shift toward pitching or corner positions.

On the other side, Texas adds Nimmo’s bat to help improve their .234 team average from 2025. They must now find a second baseman to replace Semien as they try to build on an 81-81 season. Outside of 2023, the Rangers have not recorded a winning year since 2016.

How Betting Markets Positioned Both Teams

Sportsbooks adjusted the Mets and Rangers within existing ranges for 2026. DraftKings lists the Mets at +1500 for the 2026 World Series. FanDuel previously had them at +1100, and BetMGM opened them at +1400. ESPN, CBS, Oddsshark, and Oddspedia list them between +1100 and +1500.

The Rangers appear between +3000 and +4000 across DraftKings, BetMGM, FTN, and Oddsshark. Their position reflects their 81–81 record and recent roster decisions, including non-tendering Adolis García, Jonah Heim, and Josh Sborz. The Nimmo–Semien trade did not produce significant changes on its own, and analysts indicated that further Mets moves would influence any shift in odds.

Why Texas Moved On, and Why the Mets Must Keep Going

Texas’s willingness to trade Semien also shows that sentiment played no part in their decision. Even though he wasn’t a homegrown Ranger, he contributed to their 2023 title run. Yet the Rangers also non-tendered Adolis García, Jonah Heim, and Josh Sborz—the pitcher who recorded the final out of their World Series win after García’s powerful postseason helped fuel the team’s path to the championship.

For the Mets, the Nimmo-for-Semien swap only makes sense if more major moves follow. Nimmo hit 25 home runs and drove in 92 runs in 2025. Trading that production for a 35-year-old coming off his weakest offensive season is a clear risk unless the Mets add significant help elsewhere.

The team has several paths to justify the gamble.

Signing Kyle Tucker

Before the trade, pursuing Kyle Tucker did not fit. Nimmo and Juan Soto were set to occupy the corner outfield spots for the next five years. But with Nimmo gone, the chance to “back the Brinks truck” for Tucker is open.

Tucker’s 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs was not what he wanted, but he still started the All-Star Game and won a Silver Slugger. He played at an elite level during the first half before a hand injury limited him. His bat is significantly stronger than Nimmo’s, and even with defensive setbacks, he offers a powerful offensive upgrade.

Re-signing Pete Alonso

Re-signing Pete Alonso has always been a priority, and the Semien trade makes it even more pressing. Alonso remains one of MLB’s weakest defensive first basemen, but Semien’s range at second base covers more ground than Jeff McNeil’s, making Alonso’s defense easier to manage.

Alonso signed a two-year deal that paid him $27 million in 2025 and included an opt-out. The Mets’ statement on that agreement used the terms “homegrown talent” and “adored.” His go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of the 2023 wild-card series in Milwaukee against Devin Williams remains one of the franchise’s iconic moments.

If the club could trade someone as beloved as Nimmo, it is possible they could let Alonso leave, unless they act quickly.

Trading for an Ace

The Mets have a surplus of middle infielders: Lindor, Semien, and prospects Jett Williams and A.J. Ewing. Williams, a top-30 prospect per MLB Pipeline, could headline a trade for a controllable frontline starter.

Possible targets include pitchers like Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan. The Mets do not want to rush into parting with Williams or Ewing, but if trading one helps secure an ace, the idea gains logic, especially now that middle-infield depth is even deeper.

The New York Knicks enter the season with what is described as their best roster in roughly twenty years. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are the team’s leading scorers, and Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby occupy the forward positions. The organization is focused on winning a championship this season, and its roster has been constructed around that pursuit.

As the Knicks progress through the season with this goal in mind, league attention has begun to focus on the situation involving Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis. Although Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban told The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, “we won’t” trade Davis, additional reporting states that teams are expected to evaluate the possibility if Dallas decides to take trade discussions further.

Knicks Expected to Initiate Contact if Dallas Opens Trade Conversations

On Saturday, SNY’s Ian Begley said he believes the Knicks would “at least check in” if Davis becomes available. Begley explained, “You may scoff at the idea, but the Knicks want to win a title this season. If Dallas is offering Davis at a below-market cost, I’m sure the Knicks will at least give the move some thought.” He added, “The Mavs will get calls from nearly all NBA teams if/when they make Davis available.”

During their postseason run when they took a 2–0 series lead over the Boston Celtics, the Knicks’ championship odds moved into the league’s upper tier, reaching the fifth-best odds to win the NBA Finals. Entering this week, aggregated futures listed New York around +900 to win the title. Ahead of their recent game against the Brooklyn Nets, New York was positioned as a -13 favorite, with a -850 moneyline and a total of 228, consistent with the Knicks’ 9–6 record and the Nets’ 3–13 record.

Dallas’ Poor Start and Davis’ Limited Availability Shape the Situation

The Mavericks are 5–13 following a home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, who were without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Injuries have been a constant issue for Dallas since trading away Luka Doncic, and these problems contributed to Nico Harrison being fired a few weeks into the season.

Davis has played a limited number of games since arriving in the Doncic trade, appearing in 14 of a possible 51 games, though reports note that Davis has been healthy enough to appear in only 14 of 48 regular-season games because of adductor and calf setbacks.

Given the circumstances, betting markets have seen a change. Sportsbooks list Dallas at +25000 to win the NBA Finals, +12500 to win the Western Conference, and +25000 to win their division, meaning the Mavericks are near the bottom of the league’s futures boards.

Davis’ individual props, which adjust frequently based on his status, continue to draw attention when he is active. One recent rebound prop carried a -136 price on one side, supported by projections estimating 13.1 rebounds for that performance.

Reporting Indicates Dallas Will Listen to Offers

Further clarity came from Marc Stein, who wrote, “League sources say that the Mavericks still intend to field any trade interest in Davis that emerges over the next two-plus months with the prospect of an actual trade obviously dependent on offer quality.” Stein reiterated Davis’ limited availability, stating that he has appeared in 14 of 48 regular-season games due to the same injuries.

Taken as a whole, Dallas’ record, injuries, and internal changes have established the conditions under which the organization is willing to consider incoming interest.

Possible Fit and the Structural Barriers to a Deal

If the Knicks evaluate a potential trade, they would need to consider both on-court and financial factors. Davis could contribute to the Knicks’ defense, which is identified as an area where Towns struggles. Both players are above-average rebounders. Offensively, the two have a similar profile, although Towns is identified as the better three-point shooter, which could affect spacing.

Executing a trade would require significant adjustments due to Davis’s salary of $54 million. A Knicks package centered on Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson is described as leaving New York “well short.” Both teams are second apron teams, adding further restrictions.

The Knicks have a 2026 first-round pick, but they will not make a 2027 first-round selection unless they acquire one through a trade. Much of their previous draft capital was used in the Mikal Bridges trade.

Because of these constraints, most scenarios would require Karl-Anthony Towns to be included to match the salary. A third team, such as the Brooklyn Nets, could be needed to distribute contracts. New York’s collection of second-round picks could help facilitate a multi-team structure.