Anthony Davis suffered a left hand injury last Thursday vs. the Jazz and the big man is likely to undergo surgery to repair the damaged ligaments. The procedure would sideline him for a several months, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
While Davis is unlikely to play again in the regular season, Charania is reporting that the Mavericks are once again discussing trades for Davis. His possible timeline could result in a return during the postseason, assuming the team he was dealt to makes the playoffs.
Davis makes $54.1 million this season, $58.4 million next season and then he will have a player option for $62.7 million for the 2027-28 season. After only playing in nine games last season following the trade to Dallas, Davis has continued to be in-and-out of the lineup this season, only playing in 20 games as the fragile big man has dealt with many injuries.
Davis is averaging 20.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this season, but the Mavericks’ net rating has actually been 1.5 points per 100 possessions better with him off the floor. Moving on from Davis if the team can get a strong return for him before next month’s trade deadline wouldn’t be a surprise in any way. If the Mavericks are unable to move him by then, Davis likely will be a popular name in trade rumors during the offseason.
With Davis unlikely to play another game for Dallas this season, the team should rely on Daniel Gafford and Dwight Powell at center. Cooper Flagg should continue to put up strong numbers as the Mavericks’ centerpiece during his rookie campaign. With Davis off the floor this season, Flagg’s usage rises 1.5 percentage points to 25.8%. On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Duke product is is a -1100 favorite to be named Rookie of the Year.
