The Dallas Mavericks are staring down a pivotal stretch-not just because the trade deadline is approaching, but because of the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Davis’ health. The team announced that Davis will miss approximately six weeks with ligament damage in his left hand, and that timeline puts his status in direct collision with the trade deadline.
Here’s what we know: Dallas is still listening to offers on Davis, per reporting from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. But there’s no pressure from the top to make a move just for the sake of it.
Ownership isn’t pushing a mandate to deal him, and that’s significant. It means the Mavericks are approaching this situation with a measured mindset.
If no offer meets their threshold for real value, they’re prepared to hold.
That’s not just front office speak-it’s a reflection of how the franchise views Davis as an asset. And with the injury now in play, the calculus shifts. If Davis is still on the roster after the February 5 deadline, the conversation takes a sharp turn from trade talk to risk management.
The looming question then becomes: is it even worth bringing him back this season?
With ligament damage in his shooting hand, there’s a legitimate concern about reinjury or diminished performance. The Mavericks have to weigh whether pushing him back onto the court for a playoff run is worth the potential long-term risk. Or, if the smarter play is to shut him down, let the hand fully heal, and revisit his future in the offseason when the market resets and clarity returns.
These discussions are already happening behind closed doors. The Mavericks are playing it close to the vest, but make no mistake-decisions are being made now that could shape not just this season, but the next several years.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll see just how much noise those quiet conversations start to make.