Anthony Davis, Mavericks
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Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks warms up before their game against the Sacramento Kings.
The Anthony Davis injury news took a positive turn on Tuesday as the Mavericks received encouraging updates on the star’s recovery timeline.
The narrative around Anthony Davis’ season in Dallas shifted again Tuesday — this time in a more hopeful direction.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is “some optimism” inside the Dallas Mavericks organization that Davis could return as early as March, even if he ultimately requires surgery on his injured left hand.
“There is some optimism in Dallas that Anthony Davis could return at some point in March even if he is forced to undergo surgery on his left hand,” Stein wrote on X, citing league sources in a joint report for The Stein Line and DLLS Sports.
The update marks a notable pivot from earlier reports that Davis’ season in Dallas was effectively over — and it reshapes both the Mavericks’ short-term planning and the league’s view of Davis’ trade market.
What Davis’ Injury Update Means for Mavericks
Earlier Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Davis would miss several months after undergoing surgery to repair ligament damage, writing that “Davis’ season is over in Dallas.”
Stein’s reporting does not directly contradict that timeline — but it introduces a meaningful possibility: that Davis’ recovery could be measured in weeks rather than months.
That distinction matters.
A potential March return gives Dallas optionality.
It means the Mavericks do not have to choose immediately between long-term asset management and short-term competitiveness.
It means Davis could still contribute during the stretch run.
And it means the front office can afford to be patient.
How Anthony Davis Was Injured
Davis injured his left hand late in Thursday’s loss to Utah while defending Lauri Markkanen on a drive.
He still finished that game with 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one block in 35 minutes.
Since arriving in Dallas as the centerpiece of the controversial February 2025 trade that sent Luka Dončić out of the franchise, Davis has been limited by injuries.
He has appeared in just 29 regular-season games for the Mavericks, playing 20 this season, and has averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
Dallas is 10-10 with him in the lineup and 5-15 without him.
March Return Bodes Well for Mavericks
The Mavericks entered this season with playoff expectations.
They are now 15-25 and 12th in the Western Conference, having pivoted toward a longer-term outlook built around Rookie of the Year candidate Cooper Flagg.
A March return from Davis would not make Dallas a title contender — but it could stabilize a roster that has struggled defensively, on the glass and in the half court.
It would also change how the front office approaches the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
A player who might return in March is a different asset than one who is done for the season.
What This Means for the Trade Market
Trade interest in Davis has persisted despite the injury.
“The Mavericks are having renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams,” Charania posted on X. “If moved to a playoff contender, the return timeline could allow Davis to return during the postseason while establishing himself long-term elsewhere.”
Stein’s update does not eliminate those conversations — but it recalibrates them.
A possible March return raises Davis’ value. It also raises Dallas’ threshold.
The Mavericks are no longer under pressure to sell.
They can listen, wait and reassess.
That leverage matters.
Why Dallas Is Being Cautious
Davis remains one of the most accomplished players of his generation, with four first-team All-NBA selections, an NBA championship and a place on the league’s 75th Anniversary Team.
But he also turns 33 in March, has an extensive injury history and carries a $54.1 million salary this season, along with a $62 million player option for 2027-28.
Every decision involving him carries both upside and risk.
Stein’s update shifts the balance slightly toward upside.
What Comes Next
Dallas will continue to gather medical clarity.
They will continue to listen to the market.
And they will continue to evaluate whether their best move is to hold, to pivot, or to reposition.
What Stein’s reporting makes clear is that the Mavericks are no longer operating from a place of inevitability.
Davis’ season may not be over.
And that changes everything.