Dallas Mavericks Anthony Davis v Utah Jazz
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Anthony Davis exits early against the Utah Jazz as the Dallas Mavericks face tough decisions ahead of the trade deadline.
Anthony Davis’ latest injury added another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile Dallas Mavericks season. The veteran forward/center suffered a left hand injury late in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s 107-105 loss to the Utah Jazz, exiting a game Dallas could not afford to lose.
The injury occurred while Davis defended Lauri Markkanen on a late drive. Video from the sequence showed Davis immediately reacting in pain. Despite initially telling coaches he could remain in the game, he checked out with 2:08 remaining and never returned. ESPN reported that Davis was “doubled over in pain” in the tunnel following his exit.
“He hurt his left hand. That’s all we had,” head coach Jason Kidd said postgame.
Another Injury, Another Familiar Scenario
Kidd offered little additional clarity on Davis’ status, framing the situation as business as usual for a roster that has struggled to stay healthy all season.
“I don’t think it’s tough,” Kidd said after the game. “I think that’s our norm with injuries or sickness. We lose guys. Next guy up.”
That sentiment underscores a difficult reality for Dallas. Davis has already missed 20 games this season due to various injuries, and Thursday’s exit marks another potential absence for a team already sitting at 14-24.
Before leaving the game, Davis was productive. He finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes. On the season, the five-time All-NBA selection is averaging 20.3 points on 50.6 percent shooting, along with 1.2 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. When available, he remains one of the league’s most impactful two-way bigs. Availability, however, continues to be the issue.
Trade Rumors Grow Louder
The timing of the injury is especially notable given the growing trade speculation surrounding Davis. League sources say multiple teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and the Toronto Raptors, have expressed interest at various points this season.
While Dallas is reportedly open to listening to offers, team sources indicate the Mavericks do not feel pressure to move Davis before the deadline. Internally, the organization remains intrigued by the idea of pairing Davis with rookie Cooper Flagg alongside Kyrie Irving, at least in the short term.
That optimism, however, does not appear to be shared by Davis’ camp. Reporting from The Athletic indicate Davis’ representatives do not believe an extension agreement with Dallas is likely this offseason. As a result, there is a growing preference from his camp to land with a team more willing to commit long-term.
Contract Complications and Risk
Davis’ contract further complicates the situation. He is owed $54.12 million this season and $121.23 million over the next two years. Combined with his injury history, that financial commitment makes any trade a difficult balancing act.
For interested teams, the calculus is clear but risky. Davis remains a high-level difference-maker when healthy, capable of anchoring both ends of the floor. But the durability concerns have become a defining aspect of his career.
For Dallas, the decision may come down to leverage. Holding Davis risks another injury-driven dip in value. Trading him risks walking away from elite production without a clear replacement. Thursday night’s injury did not resolve that tension. It may further complicate it.