Anthony Davis can’t catch a break with injuries. After his move from Los Angeles, the Dallas Mavericks’ big man has been on and off the court despite big expectations. He has missed multiple games due to muscle issues and is one of the most injured players in the NBA in recent years. Now he has suffered a hand injury against the Utah Jazz, which appears to be extremely serious.

Following the defeat against the Jazz, Anthony Davis was seen at the shoot-around in Chicago ahead of their game against the Bulls. There, his hand was in a sling. Overall, it is unfortunate for AD and also for Dallas, as they were looking to trade him ahead of the deadline, but now they have lost that opportunity.

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The injury happened while Davis was keeping a check on Lauri Markkanen when he made a drive to the rim, and AD was seen clutching his hand.

Later, it was revealed by the Mavericks that the 32-year-old had suffered ligament damage in his hand and may require surgery, potentially keeping him out for several months, according to sources who spoke with ESPN. The big man will take a second opinion on his injury and will hope that there’s a nonsurgical way to recovery.

Anthony Davis has already missed 18 games this season due to several issues, and if sources are right, he could miss a considerable chunk of the remaining 42 regular-season games.

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With the Mavericks struggling at the 12th spot in the Western Conference with an underwhelming 14-24 record, and now with AD’s injury, it seems like curtains for the Mavericks this season. They won’t be able to trade him anymore, nor will he be available for the next few weeks, leaving them in dire straits.

Anthony Davis was one of the top names in the trade rumors

Before his hand injury, Anthony Davis was probably the biggest name in the trade market. A lot of franchises showed interest in the NBA Champion. Although his health and fitness were a major concern for many, he still had suitors interested in him due to his dominant game.

AD is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, but the fact that he has only appeared in 20 games this season tells the whole story about his fitness.

Nov 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Nov 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

According to sources, franchises like the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors were genuinely interested in the big man. But now, with his hand injury, he is expected to remain in Dallas. AD wanted to move to a franchise that would accept his contract extension in the offseason, as he had already understood that the Mavericks wouldn’t do that. He is already earning $54.1 million this season. He’s eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August.

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Ever since their former GM Nico Harrison’s dismissal, players like D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Klay Thompson are reported to be all up for trade by the Mavs.

There are also some rumors suggesting that the Dallas management may keep AD to support star rookie Cooper Flagg and All-Star guard Kyrie Irving when he returns from injury. But given his fitness record, it is highly unlikely that the Mavericks would be ready to accept his massive contract extension this offseason.

The post Anthony Davis Confirms Mavericks’ Worst Fears In First Public Appearance Since Hand Injury appeared first on EssentiallySports.