Mavericks’ star Anthony Davis will be sidelined for at least six weeks as he recovers from ligament damage in his left hand, according to ESPN. Davis had been out for the past two games for Dallas, seeking multiple opinions on if surgery was needed for the injury. It’s been determined that surgery will not be needed, per ESPN and he’ll be reevaluated in six weeks.
He sustained the injury during Dallas’ 116-114 loss to the Utah Jazz last week, when his hand got caught in Lauri Markkanen’s jersey while defending him under the basket.
When the injury occurred, Davis immediately began grabbing at his hand in pain and came out of the game. He walked back to the locker room, but paused for a moment in the tunnel doubled over in pain.
When the Mavericks traveled to Chicago to face the Bulls Jan. 10, Davis was seen in a sling with his hand heavily wrapped. Missing the next six weeks means Davis won’t return until after the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but that seemingly won’t stop the Mavericks from shopping him around on the trade market.
If Davis returns to the floor this season, he could be doing so for a different team, as ESPN reports that Dallas still plans to make him available on the trade market. Given Davis’ current injured status, as well as his hefty contract and lengthy injury history, determining what team would be willing to take the risk to take him on is difficult.
There was thought that the Hawks could make a run at Davis, especially after they traded Trae Young to the Wizards, which makes them able to take on the $54.1 million Davis is owed this season. That interest may have dissipated with him now out for at least a month and a half.
If there is a team out there who still wants Davis, the Mavericks will have to sell low on the big man. That’s a consequence of trading for an oft-injured player who hasn’t been able to stay on the floor long enough to rebuild his trade value. The Raptors have been linked to Davis in the past, so too have the Bulls and Warriors at one point or another. But at this point, it would be more shocking for Davis to be traded before the deadline than to see him suit up for the Mavericks again this season.