Anthony Davis has been out of action for almost a month due to a calf strain but might return to play as soon as this weekend after practicing with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. His comeback could significantly help a Mavericks team that struggled with a 3-11 record in his absence. However, the team’s expectations for Davis have changed drastically since the season began.
During Davis’ injury hiatus, the Mavericks dismissed general manager Nico Harrison, who engineered the trade sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers to bring Davis to Dallas. Harrison’s time in Dallas was turbulent, marked by fan dissatisfaction and chants demanding his firing. Despite this, Davis never held any resentment towards him and publicly expressed shock about Harrison’s removal, praising his role in bringing him to Dallas and sharing that they had communicated about the situation.
Harrison’s departure leaves Davis’s future with the Mavericks uncertain. There is speculation that Davis might be put on the trade market before the February deadline, though his hefty contract—worth $121.2 million over two years with a player option for $62.7 million in 2027—could complicate potential deals. Given the team’s current direction and the emergence of rookie Cooper Flagg, a separation might be best for both parties. Davis, now 32, is likely to thrive more on a championship-contending team.
Davis addressed trade rumors calmly, acknowledging the harsh realities of professional basketball: trade talks are part of the business, but his focus remains on playing. He practiced Wednesday aiming to possibly return in the upcoming back-to-back games against the Lakers and Clippers, with a personal preference to play against his former team, the Lakers.
The Mavericks have made changes to their starting lineup during his absence, abandoning a risky strategy involving rookie Cooper Flagg at point guard and dealing with an unsettled frontcourt. Though Davis alone cannot fix all the team’s issues, his presence and health would ease pressure on his teammates and enhance the team’s competitive edge. For trade purposes, maintaining his health and performance is crucial for the Mavericks to maximize his value, and Davis himself would need to regain All-Star form to attract top-tier contenders.
Fan Take: Anthony Davis’s situation is a pivotal moment for the Mavericks and NBA fans, highlighting the delicate balance between star power and team dynamics. How this unfolds could redefine the Mavericks’ future trajectory and impact Davis’s legacy as he seeks to find his place on a winning team.
