This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/mavericks/onsi as Anthony Davis' absence major reason behind Mavericks power rankings fall. The Dallas Mavericks are struggling mightily without Anthony Davis in the lineup.

Anthony Davis wasn't so sure about playing for the Chicago Bulls the last time his future was up in the air, but he might be more open to embracing a hometown that would hug him back, especially now he knows what it's like to be the walking embodiment of a fanbase's derision.

The Dallas Mavericks should not expect to get a similar trade return to what Desmond Bane or Mikal Bridges got for Anthony Davis.

Anthony Davis has been one of many sidelined for the Mavericks this year. Since he came over in the Doncic trade, he's played in 14 of a possible 51 games, which has been a theme of his career. And now that Nico Harrison is gone, many expect the Mavericks to explore trades for Anthony Davis, who clearly doesn't fit the rest of the roster.

NBA insider Marc Stein revealed what he's hearing about the possibility of the Mavericks trading Anthony Davis.

Kyrie Irving will be 34 years old in March. He tore his ACL eight months ago. If the post-Nico Harrison Dallas Mavericks are open to trading Anthony Davis, who is one year younger than Irving, then presumably they would be just as open to an Irving deal... right? Instead, the team is reportedly still fully committed to keeping Irving around.

Deandre Ayton has helped the Los Angeles Lakers solidify their frontcourt this season. While the summer move did not get much praise from analysts, Ayton has quickly settled in and is having a strong start to his Lakers tenure.

One NBA insider suggested that the Chicago Bulls could attempt to trade for Dallas Mavericks All-Star Anthony Davis.