Mavericks Facing Harsh Reality with Anthony Davis as Trade Deadline Nears
There was a time when acquiring Anthony Davis would’ve been seen as a franchise-altering move - the kind of swing that pushes a team into championship contention. But in Dallas, that swing might’ve missed the mark entirely.
The Mavericks are staring down a tough situation as the trade deadline approaches, and Davis’ future with the team is clouded by injury concerns, diminishing trade value, and a fan base that’s already lost patience. After initial fears that Davis would require surgery on his left hand and miss multiple months, a second opinion from Dr.
Steven Shin in Los Angeles confirmed that surgery isn’t necessary. Instead, Davis is expected to return in roughly six weeks.
That’s a sigh of relief in terms of his availability, but it doesn’t do much to boost his market value - which, according to several NBA executives, has taken a serious hit. The buzz around the league is that Dallas may be forced to hold onto Davis past the deadline, simply because the offers coming in don’t match what the Mavericks hoped to get back. Unless the team is willing to move him in a pure salary dump, there may be no realistic path to a trade.
And that’s where things get complicated.
When Dallas traded for Davis, the hope was to pair him with Kyrie Irving and rising star Cooper Flagg, forming a trio that could compete in the West. But that vision hasn’t materialized - and now, with Davis sidelined again, it may never come to life. The team didn’t land Austin Reaves in the original deal, and if all they end up with in return for Davis are a few expiring contracts, the front office will have to answer some tough questions.
This isn’t just about what Davis can’t do right now - it’s about what Dallas gave up to get him. Luka Dončić was the centerpiece of the franchise not long ago, and the dominoes that fell after his departure were supposed to lead to a new era.
Instead, the Mavericks are looking at the possibility of having neither Dončić nor Davis on the roster within a year. That’s a sharp turn from title hopes to full-on rebuild.
And the fans? They’ve seen enough.
The frustration has been building since Davis’ debut, where concerns about his durability were quickly validated. The latest injury only reinforces those fears.
Even if he returns in six weeks, the question remains: what version of Anthony Davis are the Mavericks getting? The dominant two-way force who once anchored a championship defense, or a player whose best days are behind him?
The Mavericks have a decision to make - not just about Davis, but about the direction of the franchise. Extending Davis this summer would be a gamble, and not one the team can afford to lose again. With limited draft capital and few assets to work with, Dallas needs to be smart, not sentimental.
There was a time not long ago when Davis was considered one of the top 10 players in the league. That conversation has changed.
Injuries have taken their toll, and there’s a growing sense around the league that his days as a dominant force may be numbered. Retirement talk isn’t front and center yet, but it’s hard to ignore the trajectory.
So where does that leave Dallas? In a holding pattern, hoping for a miracle offer or a healthy return that sparks a second-half surge.
But if neither comes, the Mavericks could be stuck with an aging star, an underwhelming roster, and a fan base wondering how it all went wrong. The franchise needs a fresh start - and right now, that future looks more tied to Cooper Flagg than Anthony Davis.