Anthony Davis Pushes Back On Trade Buzz Amid Another Huge Injury

Anthony Davis has endured the injury wringer more times than fans can count, and he's tapping out from all the drama in Dallas.

The latest theater surfaced when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Davis supposedly requires surgery for ligament damage in his left hand. 

The report suggested a recovery timeline of several months, sparking rumors that the Mavericks were suddenly fielding trade calls from teams seeking a playoff rental. Though Shams eventually backtracked on his claim, AD took notice and called out the ESPN insider.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks holds his left hand as he reacts to pain after injuring it against Lauri Markkanen during the second half of their game at the Delta Center on January 8, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Davis pounced on that report on X and fired back, posting on his social media: "Yall better stop listening to all these lies on these apps." 

To drive the point home, he began replying "lies" to various posts echoing the report.

The injury news is certainly vintage AD. 

Since Dallas acquired him from the Lakers last February, he has appeared in just 29 regular-season games and one play-in contest. 

Davis' tenure has been defined by a revolving door of ailments: an abdominal strain at the time of the trade, an adductor injury during his Mavericks debut, and a calf issue that sidelined him for half of November. 

Now, this hand injury adds another chapter to an exhausting list. This season, AD is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.

DALLAS, TEXAS - JULY 31: Jason Kidd (L) and former GM Nico Harrison look on during BIG3 - Week Four at the American Airlines Center on July 31, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for BIG3)

Despite the grim forecast from national media, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is not buying the season-ending narrative. 

"I think that’s sometime this week that he’ll talk to the doctors, but there is no schedule, no timetable when he’s gonna make that announcement," Kidd said, refusing to stick with a timetable.

Davis is owed $58.5 million next season and carries significant injury risks. 

However, leaking a "several months" recovery window and "active trade talks" simultaneously feels like a strategic move by outside parties. 

At this point, it'll be a long shot for AD to be in a Mavs uniform by season's end as the team likely expects to salvage as much from the disastrous Luka Doncic trade by shipping Davis elsewhere.

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