It hasn’t been an easy year for Dallas Mavericks’ star Anthony Davis.
After being traded from the Lakers to the Mavericks in a deal that sent Davis to Dallas and star guard Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, Davis’ Mavericks lost in the play-in tournament and missed the postseason.
This season has been tougher. The Mavericks are 14-24, and Davis, limited by injury, has played only 20 games. Now, as the season continues, things have gotten even worse.
Anthony Davis Could Miss ‘A Number of Months’
During the Mavericks’ 116-114 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday, Davis left with a hand injury. On Friday, it was reported that he suffered ligament damage.
“He hurt his left hand,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said following the game. “That’s all we had.”
According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon and Shams Charania, Davis does indeed have ligament damage. Depending on a second opinion and surgical needs, he could miss 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 is tough news for a Mavericks team that hoped a healthy Davis, No. 1 pick Cooper, Klay Thompson, and returning Kyrie Irving could make a postseason run.
With a poor start and Davis now out for a lengthy period, a playoff run seems nearly impossible. This impacts the Mavericks – and potentially the entire league.
Anthony Davis’ New Injury Could Alter the Trade Scenario
With Dallas struggling and Davis already battling injuries, this might not hugely impact the Mavericks. However, trade rumors surrounding Davis mean his injury could have a ripple effect throughout the league.
“There is a real chance Davis — one of the NBA’s prime trade targets — will be sidelined through the Feb. 5 NBA deadline,” Charania says. “And possibly beyond, depending on the need for surgery.”
There is a real chance Davis — one of the NBA’s prime trade targets — will be sidelined through the Feb. 5 NBA deadline. And possibly beyond, depending on the need for surgery. https://t.co/zQfmkaAbfw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2026
With Trae Young now in Washington, rumors have shifted to Davis. Young’s former team, the Atlanta Hawks, is one squad reportedly showing interest in the 10-time All-Star (the Golden State Warriors are another team that has been linked to Davis). However, if he is out for several months, teams may be less willing to trade for him or offer as much.
Although Davis has had some defensive issues this season, he’s still putting up 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s shooting 50.6% from the field.
Given Davis’s injury history and age – he turns 33 in March- it remains to be seen how many teams will call before the February 5 trade deadline.
