Trade market for Mavericks’ Anthony Davis quiet after hand injury

As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, league executives are still circling the Mavericks, trying to determine which direction, if any, the franchise is prepared to take.

According to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com, most of the uncertainty centers on Anthony Davis, whose health and contract situation have combined to slow any real trade momentum.

Davis has appeared in just 29 games since being acquired last February and is averaging 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Solid numbers, but below his established standard.

Davis opted against surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand and is expected to heal within six weeks, per the team. That timeline, however, has only complicated matters.

Sources told Afseth that teams previously linked to Davis, including the Raptors and Hawks, have not gained traction in talks.

“The Mavericks’ leverage is materially worse after the hand injury,” one Western Conference executive told Afseth. “I don’t think he has much of a market.”

Contract timing is also a factor. Davis is under contract through 2027-28 with a $62.7 million player option next season and will be eligible for a massive extension this offseason. League sources say Davis’ camp would prefer clarity on a long-term deal, something Dallas is not positioned to offer right now.

Several executives believe the most realistic trade window may come later, when Davis is viewed as closer to an expiring contract.

While Davis remains the headline, rival teams have also checked in on complementary pieces. Afseth reports continued interest in Naji Marshall, who is enjoying a career year at 14.0 points per game on 54.3 percent shooting, and Daniel Gafford, though concerns about Gafford’s lingering ankle issues have surfaced.

Other names to monitor include Klay Thompson, whose shooting has stabilized after a slow start, and D’Angelo Russell, who has fallen out of the rotation and is viewed by scouts as a clear change-of-scenery candidate.