Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Getty
Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Anthony Davis‘ nightmare tenure with the Dallas Mavericks look set to take another twist. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the All-Star big man is expected to undergo surgery to repair the ligament damage to his left wrist.
Therefore, it’s expected that Davis’ season is over. He would be expected to miss multiple months after the operation.
“Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand and miss several months, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “His Dallas season is essentially over, given the prognosis and the Mavs’ direction.”
Davis has struggled to remain healthy since moving to Dallas. Over a 12-month period, he’s suited up for a total of 29 games. Considering Dallas parted with Luka Doncic to acquire Davis, the return has been far from expected and has left Dallas in a difficult position.
Mavericks Still Willing To Trade Davis
In a secondary report from Charania, it was noted that Dallas is still seeking to engage teams that hold interest in potentially trading for Davis.
“Fascinating development: The Mavericks are having renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams, sources said,” Charania reported. “If moved to a playoff contender, the return timeline could allow Davis to return during the postseason while establishing himself for the long-term elsewhere.”
Any contending roster will need to weigh up the potential impact Davis can make when healthy against his concerning injury record. Furthermore, Davis’ three-year $175 million contract will be a hurdle for teams to try and navigate.
Davis entered the first year of his current deal at the start of the season. He’s set to earn $54.1 million this season, $58.4 million in 2026-27 and $62.7 million in 2027-28. With such a high salary and limited time on the court to prove himself, any team that trades for him will be rolling the dice.
Mavericks Could Still Get Kyrie Irving Back
While losing Davis for the season is a blow, Mavericks fans could still be treated to some good news in the coming months. Kyrie Irving, who has been out all season due to a torn ACL, could potentially return before the end of the season.
According to Grant Asfeth, Irving has not been shut down for the season.
“While the Mavericks have not publicly communicated a return timetable for Irving, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com there has been no indication he will be shut down for the season,” Afseth wrote. “Instead, the prevailing expectation is that Irving’s return would more realistically come after the NBA All-Star break as it stands, rather than before it.”
Asfeth then continued to detail how Irving has been showing encouraging progress during his workouts with the Mavericks coaching staff.
“From a firsthand perspective, Irving’s progress has been evident. During a workout observed while the Mavericks were on the road, he looked sharp, explosive, and efficient as he moved through a full on-court session,” Afseth wrote on Irving’s recent on-court workouts. “The workout with assistant coach Phil Handy featured sustained movement and live-ball activity, with Irving changing directions fluidly and working through sequences designed to simulate game-like demands. There was no visible hesitation as he progressed through drills.”
Getting Irving back would undoubtedly be a boost for Dallas. However, that is unlikely to change the front office’s decision to explore their trade options for Davis. Especially after another injury has limited his ability to stay on the court.