In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks may soon face a significant setback concerning their star forward, Anthony Davis, who might require surgery on his injured left hand. This news, reported on January 9, 2026, follows an unfortunate incident during a recent game against the Utah Jazz where Davis sustained the injury.
During the contest, which took place in Sacramento, California, Davis was defending against Jazz player Lauri Markkanen when the injury occurred with just under three minutes remaining in the match. Despite his best efforts, he was visibly in distress and ultimately exited the game with 2:08 left on the clock after struggling to hold onto the ball and defend effectively. The Mavericks lost the game narrowly, with a final score of 116-114.
An MRI performed on January 6 revealed that Davis had suffered ligament damage, leading him to seek a second opinion regarding whether surgical intervention is necessary. If he avoids surgery, ESPN has indicated that he would likely be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks. This prolonged absence could have implications not just for the remainder of the season but also for the Mavericks’ trading strategies.
Prior to this injury, the Mavericks had been considering trading Davis ahead of the approaching February 5 trade deadline. This situation becomes even more complex considering that Davis has not yet completed a year with the team, having joined from a controversial trade deal that saw superstar Luka Doncic move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
At 33 years old, Davis commands a hefty salary of $54.1 million this season. He is set to earn $58.5 million next season and holds a player option worth $62.8 million for 2027-28. However, his time on the court has been limited—he has played only 29 games for the Mavericks, including nine last season and 20 so far this season. During these appearances, he has averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocked shots, maintaining his status as a 10-time All-Star.
As the situation develops, it raises questions about the Mavericks' future plans and how they will navigate potential trades amid injuries. What do you think the Mavericks should do next? Should they focus on recovery for Davis or actively seek to make trades regardless of his condition? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
