Anthony Davis avoids surgery and will be out six weeks

Anthony Davis has avoided the worst. Initially expected to miss several months with surgical intervention, the Dallas Mavericks star ultimately received better news regarding his left hand injury.

A more optimistic diagnosis after specialist consultation

After consulting a specialist for a second medical opinion, Anthony Davis will not require surgery to repair the damaged ligaments in his left hand, as confirmed by the Mavericks on Tuesday. The team announced that the player should « heal from his injury » in approximately six weeks.

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Sylvain Sultat

This news represents considerable relief for Dallas, even though Davis could still miss up to eight weeks or more despite avoiding surgery, according to ESPN sources. The 32-year-old player was injured while defending Lauri Markkanen on a drive during the Mavs‘ loss to the Utah Jazz last Thursday, a game in which he posted 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block in 35 minutes.

Trade discussions continue

Despite this improved diagnosis, the Mavericks have reopened discussions around Davis with several interested teams as the trade deadline approaches. The All-Star has been linked to the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, among others.

The Mavericks have reopened Anthony Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams, sources said. Davis’ left-hand ligament injury has dampened his trade value, slowing momentum as teams weigh medical outlook and long-term risk ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. pic.twitter.com/0CY67knG29

— Chaudhry Azam (@chaudhryyazam) January 14, 2026

Various injuries have limited Davis to just 29 regular season games in a Mavericks uniform since his arrival from Los Angeles, as the centerpiece of the controversial trade for Luka Dončić last February. The Mavs, who are prioritizing a long-term vision by building around Rookie of the Year candidate Cooper Flagg, have a record of 10 wins and 10 losses with Davis, compared to 5-15 without him.

This season, in 20 games, Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, with 50.6% shooting from the field. His impact remains undeniable when healthy, making his contract situation all the more scrutinized before the deadline.