The worst-case timeline for Anthony Davis is reportedly materializing for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks’ season hopes shouldn’t rest on such an injury-riddled player, but it felt like the campaign all but ended on Jan. 8 for the Mavs when Davis went down with ligament damage in his hand. Depending on his options, Davis was looking at missing several weeks to months, the latter of which would put most of Dallas’ focus on next season and building via a high draft pick around star Cooper Flagg. The worst-case scenario that was feared unfortunately came true, as sources told ESPN that Davis is expected to have surgery on his hand and will miss several months – which is basically all that’s left in the season.
So, with sources further reporting that Davis’ season is done with the Mavs sitting No. 12 in the Western Conference at 15-25, should Dallas try to tank? After June’s NBA draft, the Mavericks won’t have control of their first-round draft pick until 2031. Not only that, but Davis’ future could be abruptly over in Dallas with the Mavs now looking to renew trade talks and send Davis to a contender to allow him time to rehab and make a possible postseason return.
Here is the story from Mavs Roundtable writer Jonah Kubaciek on the brutal update and what’s next for Dallas.
Much like all of Davis’ career, his time in Dallas has been marred by injury. But the Mavs have needed him – they’ve only won five contests without him on the court. He’s only made 29 regular season appearances in Dallas since being traded in the blockbuster move that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February of 2025.