Anthony Trade rumors: Toronto Raptors join Atlanta Hawks in HOT race to sign Dallas' AD as deadline nears

The Atlanta Hawks are one of the franchises interested in signing Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The recent trade rumors says that another Eastern Conference team with a net worth of $5.4 billion also wants to add the one-time NBA Champion.

Hot race between the Atlanta Hawks and the Toronto Raptors to acquire Anthony Davis

As per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Hawks and Toronto Raptors are the only two sides in a serious race to trade for Davis. Fischer claimed that the Raptors' interest comes from Jakob Poeltl's fitness concerns, though AD has not been famous for being injury free.

"I think for now though, just confidently speaking publicly, I think Toronto and Atlanta are still the only teams that we can talk about as confirmed teams that are interested in pursuing Anthony Davis," Fischer said. "And with Toronto, I think their side of this, their interest, I think only has to grow the longer that Jakob Poeltl is out due to injury."

Fischer added:

"The future of Toronto's front court, both right now and in the long term, like the future of this season, but also multiple years because Jakob Poeltl signed a four-year deal. What his status and what the Raptors think of him moving forward will be as pertinent to anything with the Raptors' pursuit of any Anthony Davis trade."

Toronto Raptors' amazing season so far

Toronto is going through a great season, and they seem like they are ahead of schedule. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes looks like a great duo, while Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are complementary players. Including Anthony Davis could make them a champion team.

As for the Atlanta Hawks, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported last week that the Dallas Mavericks are open to trading AD there. However, they are not interested in getting Trae Young back since they already have Kyrie Irving waiting to get cleared.

Anthony Davis prefers to stay in Dallas

Appearing on the latest edition of ESPN's NBA Today, Tim MacMahon claimed that Anthony Davis prefers to stay in Dallas rather than get traded. However, the Mavericks do not feel the same, who want to increase his value going into the trade deadline.

Davis' injury prone image and huge salary make him tough to trade even after his potential and experience. His agent, Rich Paul, is going to get involved in the process and would want what is best for his client: an extension from whoever his new team will be if he gets traded.