Anthony Davis told ABC News his doctor had never seen an injury like his. But the Dallas Mavericks traded him before anyone knew that.
Dallas already knew Anthony Davis was injured when they sent him to Washington. What they did not know was just how serious it was. Now that Davis has opened up about his hand in an interview with ABC News, the Mavericks look even smarter for moving on when they did.
"It was a complicated injury," Davis said. "The doctor actually told me he was nervous because he's never seen anything like that, because some of the ligaments that were torn are pretty thick."
That is not the kind of quote you want attached to a player you just gave up multiple first-round picks to acquire. Washington sent Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, a 2026 first-round pick via Oklahoma City, and a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick via Golden State for a player who never set foot on their floor in a game.
Davis has appeared in just 20 games this season, none of them in a Wizards uniform. He has not played since Jan. 8, when he injured his left hand guarding Lauri Markkanen in a loss to the Utah Jazz while still a Maverick. Washington traded for him anyway on Feb. 4, one day before the deadline, receiving an injured player they never saw suit up all season.
The injury was more alarming than it first appeared. Davis suffered ligament damage, including to the volar plate tissue in his left hand. Doctors suggested surgery. He declined and opted for conservative treatment, hoping to speed up his return. It did not work. Despite being cleared for light individual workouts by early April, the Wizards shut him down for the remainder of the season.
This is not a new story for Davis. He has not topped 62 games in a season once over the last six years. The Mavericks saw that up close. He played just 20 games in Dallas before the trade, dealing with an adductor strain in his first game and then the hand injury that ended everything.
Washington is now betting on Davis and Trae Young to lead a young core that includes Alex Sarr and a likely lottery pick in 2026. That plan only works if Davis stays healthy. His track record does not inspire confidence. The Mavericks got out at the right time.