Anthony Davis facing hand surgery amid trade rumors
An MRI on the Dallas Mavericks star suggested ligament damage, potentially complicating a move before the February 5 trade deadline.
With little over three weeks to go until the February 5 NBA trade deadline, the future of Anthony Davis is hanging in the balance.
The 32-year-old star picked up a left hand injury while playing for the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. An MRI on Friday revealed ligament damage, likely forcing Davis to undergo surgery to treat the issue.
ESPN reports that Davis and the Mavs will get second opinions, checking whether or not surgery is necessary. If Davis goes under the knife he will likely be sidelined for several months.
Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis has sustained ligament damage in his left hand, sources tell me and @BannedMacMahon. Depending on second opinion and if surgery is required, Davis could miss a number of months. pic.twitter.com/POS4szWjUY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2026
This latest injury ends an injury-hit first year for Davis in Dallas, playing just 29 games since arriving in February 2025. He joined the Mavs as part of the blockbuster trade that saw Luka Doncic depart for the Los Angeles Lakers. So far, Davis has not proved to be good value.
Injury complicates Anthony Davis trade talks
Less than a year on from signing the ten-time NBA All-Star, the Mavericks are reportedly looking to move on from Davis. He has been offered to teams around the league but his increasing susceptibility to injury will be an issue.
Before this week’s hand injury, Davis had been sidelined for more than half of his time in Dallas. He has averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks during his 20 appearances this season but comes an an enormous cost.
The Mavericks took over his lucrative Lakers deal, which includes $58.5 million for 2026/27 and a player option for 2027/28 worth $62.8 million. Those sort of figures put him at the very top of the NBA’s salary charts and his recent injury record does not inspire confidence.
This latest injury may have ruined the Mavs’ hopes of moving Davis on this window and it remains to be seen if anyone will be willing to make that trade going forward.
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