The energy around the American Airlines Center feels... weird. Usually, January is when you start looking at the standings and doing that desperate math of "if we win three of the next four, we’re back in the play-in hunt." But this year is different. The Dallas Mavericks rumors aren't about playoff seeding anymore. They're about survival.
Honestly, the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a pick will probably go down as one of the most debated "what-ifs" in North American sports history. And right now? It looks like a disaster.
The Anthony Davis Hand Surgery and the End of the Road
Look, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. Shams Charania just dropped the hammer: Anthony Davis needs surgery on his left hand for ligament damage. He’s basically done for the season.
This isn't just another "AD is hurt" headline. This is the breaking point. Before this injury happened against the Jazz, the Mavs were actually hovering around .500 (10-10) when he played. Without him? They’re a dismal 5-15. You don't need to be a math genius to see that this roster, as currently constructed, is a house of cards.
The latest Dallas Mavericks rumors suggest that despite the injury, Nico Harrison’s interim replacements—Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi—are still burning up the phone lines. They aren't just looking for a trade; they're looking for an exit strategy. Shams mentioned that if a contender picks him up, AD could theoretically return for a playoff run. Teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, and even the Raptors are reportedly sniffing around.
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But let’s be real. Who is trading high-value assets for a big man with a massive contract who might not play until May? It’s a tough sell.
Cooper Flagg is the Only Reason to Watch Right Now
If there is a silver lining to this absolute wreck of a season, it’s Cooper Flagg. The kid is incredible. Most rookies hit a wall by January, but Flagg is out here averaging 21.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and over 5 assists a night.
He is basically the only thing keeping Mavs fans from turning off the TV.
The dynamic has shifted entirely. The team isn't building around the veterans anymore. They are clearing the runway for Flagg. That’s why you’re hearing names like Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, and Naji Marshall in the trade blender. These are good players. Teams want them. And the Mavs need to decide if they want to keep "trying" or if they should just lean into the rebuild and get Flagg some long-term running mates.
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Kyrie Irving’s Long Road Back
Then there’s Kyrie. He hasn't played since tearing his ACL back in March 2025. The latest update from Grant Afseth at DallasHoopsJournal is that he’s looking "fluid" in workouts. That’s great news, truly.
But the timing is tricky.
The Mavericks’ first game after the 2026 All-Star break is February 20th against Minnesota. That’s almost exactly a year since the injury. While the team hasn't officially said he's coming back then, it’s the date everyone has circled. If the Mavs have already traded away half the roster by the February 5th trade deadline, what does Kyrie even come back to?
It’s a bizarre situation where one of the most talented guards in the league is getting healthy just as the team might be tearing the whole thing down.
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The Front Office Power Vacuum
We also need to address the fact that the Mavericks technically don't even have a permanent General Manager. Ever since Patrick Dumont fired Nico Harrison in November, Finley and Riccardi have been the "co-interims."
But the rumor mill is spinning a wilder tale lately.
There are whispers—and Tim Cato mentioned this on Locked On Mavs—that Jason Kidd might be eyeing a move to the front office. It sounds crazy until you remember that Kidd has always wanted more control. If the Mavs decide to wait until the offseason to hire a permanent GM, it might be because the guy they want is currently standing on the sidelines in a suit.
What Happens Next?
If you’re a Mavs fan, the next three weeks are going to be stressful. The trade deadline on February 5th is the "Decision Day."
- The AD Gamble: Do they find a team desperate enough to take Anthony Davis now, even with the hand surgery? If they can get off that contract for expiring deals and a future pick, they probably jump at it.
- The Gafford Sweepstakes: Daniel Gafford is a luxury for a rebuilding team. The Lakers (ironically) and the Pacers are reportedly interested. If the Mavs move him, it’s a full-on white flag for the 2026 season.
- The Coaching/GM Question: Does Jason Kidd finish the season? If the losses keep mounting (they just lost to Chicago 107-125), ownership might decide to start the "Kidd in the Front Office" experiment early.
The Dallas Mavericks rumors aren't going to slow down. The reality is that this franchise is at its most pivotal crossroads since they drafted Luka back in 2018. Only this time, they’re trying to figure out how to build a future around Cooper Flagg while the ghosts of the Luka-AD trade still haunt the locker room.
The best move for fans right now is to stop looking at the 15-25 record and start looking at the 2026 Draft board. This season is about development and asset collection. Expect a flurry of "minor" moves that signal a very major shift in philosophy before the February deadline passes.