Anthony Davis won’t need surgery on his injured left hand — but clarity remains elusive in Dallas.
The Mavericks confirmed on Tuesday that Davis will attempt to heal without surgery after meeting with his physician.
The expected recovery timeline is roughly six weeks, though league sources caution the All-Star big man could still miss eight weeks or more.
Just days ago, surgery to repair ligament damage appeared inevitable, with an extended absence looming. Instead, Dallas now finds itself in a familiar grey area: waiting, watching, and weighing its options as the Feb. 5 trade deadline draws closer.
Those options remain very much alive. The Mavericks have re-engaged in trade talks involving Davis, with multiple teams expressing interest. Conversations
are ongoing, underscoring how quickly this partnership has drifted from bold gamble to unresolved question.
Davis arrived in Dallas carrying championship expectations after the controversial blockbuster that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Less than a year later, the focus has shifted from banners to balance sheets, timelines, and long-term planning.
The injury has disrupted any rhythm. Ligament damage brought immediate concern, and every update has added another layer of uncertainty — not just about when Davis might return, but whether he’ll finish the season in a Mavericks uniform at all.
Dallas is prioritizing the future, increasingly building around Rookie of the Year candidate Cooper Flagg. The on-court results paint a stark picture: the Mavericks are 10–10 with Davis in the lineup and just 5–15 without him.
Davis, who turns 33 in March, is owed $54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next year, and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28.
And the worst part of it all? Availability has been an issue: he’s appeared in only 29 games for Dallas — nine last season and 20 this year.
When healthy, he’s still productive, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks this season. But in Dallas, production is no longer the only question.
The clock is ticking, and the Mavericks must decide whether to wait, move, or pivot entirely.
