Dallas Mavericks reportedly make big turn regarding an Anthony Davis trade

The Dallas Mavericks were put in a tricky situation last week when Anthony Davis went down with a left-hand injury against the Utah Jazz, leaving the game with two minutes to go. It then came out that he had ligament damage in his hand and would explore other opinions on whether surgery would be needed, which was expected to keep him out past the trade deadline.

ESPN's Shams Charania gave the update on Davis' hand on Tuesday, saying surgery will be needed.

"Dallas Mavericks' Anthony Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand and miss several months, sources tell ESPN," Charania tweeted. "His Dallas season is essentially over, given the prognosis and the Mavs' direction."

However, this apparently doesn't kill his trade market. If anything, his timeline for a return could have other teams interested.

Fascinating development: The Mavericks are having renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams, sources said. If moved to a playoff contender, the return timeline could allow Davis to return during the postseason while establishing himself for the long-term elsewhere. https://t.co/RtoY5SutHr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2026

"Fascinating development: The Mavericks are having renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams, sources said," Charania posted soon after. "If moved to a playoff contender, the return timeline could allow Davis to return during the postseason while establishing himself for the long-term elsewhere."

The Mavericks had been looking to trade Davis because of his bloated salary, age, and injury concerns, and he was the main return for the worst trade in NBA history: the Luka Doncic trade. Mavericks fans never welcomed him, and it doesn't help that he can't stay on the floor. As of Tuesday, Davis had played in 31 of a possible 75 games, and he had yet to play in more than five games in a row in a Mavericks uniform.

Jan 6, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after being fouled against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Why the Mavericks Want to Still Trade Anthony Davis

The Dallas Mavericks realize this is a lost season, and it's better to prioritize their 2026 first-round pick, the last of their picks that they own until 2031. And it is a loaded draft class, so they want another young star to play with Cooper Flagg for the next decade-plus. Rushing Anthony Davis back does nothing for that.

But it's more than just that. The Mavericks are currently on the books for nearly $208 million in salaries for the 2026-27 season, and that's not including D'Angelo Russell's player option of $5.9 million, which he should pick up, since no one else is paying him that money on the open market. That would bring their total to a hair under $214 million for 12 players. You need at least 14 players on standard contracts, but that salary alone makes them a first apron team, and they're about $9 million from being a second apron team, especially projecting another high draft pick in that group.

Getting off Anthony Davis' salary and receiving expiring contracts in return has to be a priority. They have to clean up the books a little bit while they prioritize Cooper Flagg's future. That's why you could see other long-term contracts, such as Daniel Gafford or Caleb Martin (hopefully), being moved soon.

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