Anthony Davis Hand Injury Crushes Mavericks Trade Chances

Anthony Davis suffered ligament damage to his left hand and is sidelined while he seeks medical opinions. The Athletic reports "Dallas won't be able to trade Davis before Feb. 5." ESPN says a non-surgical rehab is at least six weeks, while surgery would cost several months. Davis is on the trade block, but his $58.5 million salary and ongoing durability concerns make a February deal unlikely, so a move now looks more realistic this summer. Merlin sees a great player slowed by a fragile body. At 33, Davis averages 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds but has missed many games with calf and groin issues. He "can be a tremendous asset to a franchise" when healthy, yet teams will demand medical proof before taking on his contract. Expect Dallas to wait, let Davis rehab, and hope a clearer medical picture draws buyers by summer.