Anthony Davis Hand Surgery Renewing Mavericks Trade Talks

Merlin sees trouble: Mavericks star Anthony Davis will undergo surgery on his left hand to repair ligament damage and will miss several months after an MRI confirmed the injury. The planned operation has, per Shams Charania, "renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams" because a rehab timetable leaves open a possible playoff return. At 32 and in his first full season in Dallas after the blockbuster that sent Luka away, Davis has been unevenly available yet highly productive, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on 50.6 percent shooting. Teams like Toronto, Atlanta and Milwaukee have been linked, though Davis disputed some rumors on social media. Merlin sees Dallas weighing patience against reshaping the roster as the calendar moves toward the deadline.