As the Dallas Mavericks continue to battle significant injuries and a 5–13 start, NBA-wide attention remains fixed on the status of Anthony Davis and whether Dallas may eventually engage trade discussions involving the All-Star big man.

Davis has missed 13 straight games with a left calf strain, and the Mavericks have gone 3–10 without him this season and 10–27 without him since Feb. 2, 2025 — numbers that illustrate his outsized impact on the team’s fortunes.

Dallas is not actively shopping Davis, but the franchise remains open to inquiries. According to recent reporting on DallasHoopsJournal.com, several rival teams want to see Davis return to the floor and play extended minutes before investing in a significant trade package. League evaluators also want to see Davis regain regular-season conditioning after he did not enter the year in ideal shape following eight weeks of inactivity stemming from his July offseason eye surgery.

His combination of availability, fitness and contract status — three years and $186 million remaining, including a $62.8 million player option in 2027–28 — makes him one of the most closely scrutinized players in the league as the trade deadline approaches.

New York Knicks Would ‘At Least Check In’ if Dallas Mavericks Explore Market

Interest from the Knicks surfaced again in Ian Begley’s latest SNY mailbag, where he addressed the Davis scenario directly.

“This is stating the obvious, but I’m sure the Knicks would at least check in with Dallas if/when Anthony Davis becomes available,” Begley wrote. He added that the Knicks, who view themselves as contenders, would “give the move some thought” if Dallas ever sought a below-market framework.

Begley also noted that nearly every team with championship ambitions would place a call — an assessment that aligns with DallasHoopsJournal.com’s reporting that multiple front offices have already begun internal evaluations but want proof of sustained health and conditioning before engaging aggressively.

Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in five games this season. He was upgraded to doubtful for Monday’s game in Miami, marking his closest step toward returning since late October.

Dallas Mavericks’ Situation Magnifies Spotlight on Anthony Davis

While Davis’ name circulates in speculation, Dallas’ broader context has amplified the conversation. Dereck Lively II remains out (right foot injury management), Ryan Nembhard (left knee sprain) and Brandon Williams (lower back tightness) are questionable, and Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum remain sidelined. The Mavericks are entering their 11th game in 18 days and have been forced into wholesale rotation adjustments.

The spike in injuries across the NBA — from Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama to Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Paolo Banchero — has fueled broader discussion about pace, workload, and player conditioning. Jason Kidd said the league’s modern speed may be contributing to the problem.

“Teams are playing extremely fast on makes and misses,” Kidd said. He added that players may not be trained at the speeds required for today’s game. “You go from zero to 100… we’re not training that way in training camp or in the summer. Then we’re asking them to go above the speed limit and play fast. I think that puts everyone in harm’s way.”

Meanwhile, rookie Cooper Flagg continues to be a bright spot, averaging 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Kidd said Flagg’s improvement as a secondary initiator has been noticeable.
“The more time he goes through being a quarterback, you can see he’s getting comfortable,” Kidd said.

The Heat, winners of four straight, host Dallas on Monday after defeating the 76ers behind Kel’el Ware’s 20 points and 16 rebounds.

Trade Market Still Weeks From Taking Shape

Begley emphasized that the broader landscape “will materialize in earnest over the next 3–4 weeks,” with teams sorting out their direction ahead of the February 5 deadline.

For the Mavericks, that means the league’s interest in Davis is unlikely to fully crystallize until he returns, regains conditioning, and plays without restriction. For now, every contender, including the Knicks, is watching.

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