The NBA has a funny way of making the impossible feel like a Tuesday afternoon. Remember when everyone said Luka Dončić was "untouchable" in Dallas? Yeah, that lasted until February 2025, when the world woke up to the news that he’d been swapped for Anthony Davis in a move that literally broke sports Twitter. Now, here we are in January 2026, and the cycle is repeating. Anthony Davis trade rumors are currently the loudest thing in the league, and honestly, the situation is a mess.
If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines. AD is hurt again—this time it’s the left hand. He’s stuck on a Dallas team that’s sitting in 12th place in the West. And his agent, the ever-present Rich Paul, is reportedly pushing for a way out. But before you buy into every "AD to the Raptors" or "AD to the Hawks" post you see, we need to talk about what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
The Hand Injury That Changed Everything
Basically, the timing for these rumors couldn't be worse. On January 8, AD went down with ligament damage in his left hand. For a few days, everyone thought he was headed for surgery and a season-ending stint on the sidelines. He got a second opinion from Dr. Steven Shin in LA, and the good news is he’s skipping the surgery. The bad news? He’s out for at least six weeks.
This creates a massive problem for any team trying to trade for him before the February 5 deadline. You’re essentially trading for a guy who won't be able to help you until March. For a team like the Toronto Raptors, who are reportedly sniffing around, that’s a huge gamble. They need size now, not in six weeks.
- Injury Status: Ligament damage (left hand).
- Timeline: Re-evaluation in late February.
- 2025-26 Stats: 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
- Games Played: Only 20 out of 38 so far this season.
It’s the classic AD dilemma. When he’s on the floor, he’s a Top-75-all-time talent who changes the entire geometry of the court. When he’s not, he’s a $54 million question mark.
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Why Rich Paul Wants Out (It's Always the Money)
Let's be real for a second: this isn't just about winning. It's about the extension. Anthony Davis turns 33 in March. He’s eligible for a massive four-year, $275 million extension this coming August.
The Mavericks, who are currently looking at a future centered around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and veteran Kyrie Irving, have been... let's say "cautious." When asked about the extension, the vibe from the Dallas front office has been a very non-committal "we'll see."
Rich Paul doesn't do "we'll see."
That’s why he’s reportedly pushing the Mavs to move AD now. He wants his client on a team that is willing to lock him up through his mid-30s. He’s already done plenty of business with the Raptors in the past, which is why Toronto keeps coming up. There’s also the Atlanta Hawks, who are reportedly still in the mix despite the injury. They’ve got the assets, and they’re desperate for a defensive anchor.
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The Lakers "Reunion" Fantasy
I see this one every day: "AD back to the Lakers!" Look, I get it. The vibes were great in 2020. But the Lakers are currently 23-14 and actually playing decent basketball under JJ Redick. They’ve got Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. They’ve even got Deandre Ayton holding down the middle.
Honestly, the Lakers aren't looking for a blockbuster reunion. They’re looking for "bargain deals" to fix their perimeter defense. We’re talking about guys like Keon Ellis from Sacramento or maybe Robert Williams III from Portland.
The idea that the Lakers would blow up their current chemistry to bring back a 33-year-old AD on a $54 million salary is, frankly, a pipe dream. They’ve moved on. AD even told Redick "That's my guy" after a game recently, but that’s just friendship. It’s not a trade request.
Is a Trade Actually Going to Happen?
Most league executives—the guys who actually make the calls—don't think so. Not before the deadline, anyway.
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The Mavs don't feel like they have to trade him. They aren't in a salary dump situation. If the offers are low-ball because of the hand injury, Dallas will just hold onto him. There's even a segment of the organization that really wants to see what a lineup of AD, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie looks like once everyone is healthy.
Plus, the 2026 NBA Draft is the last one where Dallas actually owns their first-round pick for a while. If they keep losing while AD is hurt, they might just lean into the tank and try to pair Flagg with another high-end rookie.
Current Market Reality:
- Market Value: All-time low due to the hand injury and age.
- Dallas Stance: Holding out for a "meaningful" return (multiple picks + young talent).
- Potential Suitors: Raptors (RJ Barrett/Poeltl package), Hawks, maybe the Clippers if they want to gamble.
What You Should Watch For
If you’re tracking Anthony Davis trade rumors, don't get distracted by the jersey swaps on Instagram. Watch the "re-evaluation" reports in mid-February. If AD comes back early and looks like his old self, the summer trade market is going to be wild.
If you're a Mavs fan, pay attention to the minutes Daniel Gafford and Moussa Cisse are getting. That’s your preview of life without AD. If you're a Raptors or Hawks fan, keep an eye on your team's draft pick situation. Any deal for AD is going to cost at least two unprotected firsts, and that’s a lot to give up for a guy whose injury history is longer than a CVS receipt.
The next big date is February 5. If AD is still in Dallas after that, expect the "Rich Paul vs. The Mavs Front Office" drama to reach a boiling point by August.
Next Steps for Following the AD Saga:
Keep an eye on the official injury reports coming out of Dallas over the next two weeks. If the Mavericks decide to sit AD through the All-Star break regardless of his progress, it’s a clear signal they are protecting his health for a massive offseason trade. Also, monitor the Raptors' rotation—if they start hoarding expiring contracts or clearing roster spots, they might be clearing the runway for a late February run at a different star if the AD deal falls through.