Anthony Davis suffered ligament damage to his left hand, leaving the Mavericks facing uncertainty ahead of the NBA trade deadline as medical evaluations could sideline the star for months.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media – January 10, 2026
The Dallas Mavericks are dealing with an unsettling turn just weeks before the NBA trade deadline, after Anthony Davis suffered ligament damage to his left hand, an injury that could sideline him for months and force Dallas to rethink its plans.
Davis left Thursday night’s 116-114 loss to the Utah Jazz early, clutching his left hand before heading to the locker room as concern spread across the Mavericks’ bench. What initially appeared to be a routine in-game issue quickly developed into something far more serious.
By Friday morning, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Davis had sustained ligament damage, according to league sources. The Mavericks are now pursuing further evaluations and plan to consult a hand specialist to determine whether surgery will be required.
The timing is especially troubling for Dallas.
With the February trade deadline nearing, Davis has been central to both the Mavericks’ push to compete and ongoing league-wide trade speculation. His health now clouds both paths. At 32, Davis remains a high-impact, two-way star, but an extended absence would inject significant uncertainty into any potential deal.
Even if surgery is avoided, hand ligament injuries often require cautious recovery timelines, particularly for big men who depend on strength, touch and constant physical contact. If surgery becomes necessary, Davis could miss several months, a development that would significantly alter his trade value.
“The Mavericks will seek a hand specialist’s opinion, but league sources confirm fears of ligament damage appear to have been validated,” NBA reporter Marc Stein said, adding that Davis is sidelined for an undetermined period.
For Dallas, the lack of a clear timetable complicates everything. Trading an injured star remains possible, but it shifts the equation. Any team interested would be betting on long-term recovery rather than immediate production, a risk that typically narrows the pool of suitors.
Around the league, the situation is seen as familiar but unforgiving. Hand ligament injuries are unpredictable, and setbacks are common. As the deadline draws closer, the Mavericks must now balance patience with urgency.
For now, Dallas and the broader NBA trade market are left waiting for medical clarity and a better sense of what comes next for Anthony Davis.
