Three days after sustaining ligament damage to his left hand in a loss to the Utah Jazz, Anthony Davis's potential months-long absence has eroded his trade market for the Dallas Mavericks, just weeks before the 2026 NBA deadline. The injury compounds regrets over the Luka Dončić trade and complicates the team's tanking and draft strategy.
As detailed in initial reports, Anthony Davis injured his left hand defending Lauri Markkanen late in the Mavericks' 116-114 loss to the Jazz on January 8. ESPN reports indicate surgery could sideline the 33-year-old for months, though a second opinion might limit it to six weeks. This fits a pattern, with a Reddit analysis tallying 296 injuries across 51 body parts in his career.
Dallas traded for Davis last season, sending Luka Dončić to the Lakers in a deal now seen as disastrous. Owed $112 million over two years plus a $62.7 million player option in 2027, Davis wants a big extension, but his fragility has tanked his value. Sources told The Athletic that East teams view him as a finals piece, yet contenders like the Warriors, Clippers, and Bucks lack win-now appeal without him immediately.
The Mavericks, lacking first-round picks from 2027-2030, eye the 2026 draft to pair a co-star with rookie Cooper Flagg (lottery win last May). Davis's absence aids tanking, potentially reuniting him with Kyrie Irving (torn ACL) next season. Former GM Nico Harrison's firing leaves the front office unstable amid ownership shifts.
Davis's stardom—three-time blocks leader, third in MVP voting with New Orleans (30.5 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG in 13 playoff games), 2020 Lakers title—fades behind injuries. Offseason interest from Nets, Pelicans, or Hornets may emerge, but in-season trades look dim, prioritizing team fit.
