Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis took to social media on Tuesday to forcefully shut down swirling speculation regarding his future and health, telling fans to "stop listening to all these lies." The outburst came amidst a whirlwind 24-hour news cycle that saw the big man's status shift from a likely season-ending surgery to a hopeful March return, reigniting Anthony Davis trade rumors just weeks before the NBA trade deadline 2026.
Davis Fires Back at 'Lies' Amid Conflicting Reports
The saga began early Tuesday with reports suggesting Davis would undergo surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand, a procedure that would have effectively ended his 2025-26 campaign. However, the narrative flipped dramatically after Davis visited specialist Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles. The updated medical prognosis confirmed that Davis would not require surgery and could instead return to the court in approximately six weeks.
Amidst the conflicting timelines, Davis vented his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), posting, "Y'all better stop listening to all these lies on these apps!" While he didn't specify exactly which reports he was refuting, the timing suggests frustration with the premature declarations of his season being over—or perhaps the immediate resurgence of trade speculation that followed the positive medical update.
Mavericks Trade Rumors Intensify with New Timeline
The confirmation that Davis could return by March has done the opposite of quieting the noise; it has arguably turned up the volume. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Mavericks trade rumors have "renewed" with vigor following the news that Davis avoids surgery. Rival teams, previously hesitant to trade for a player ruled out for the year, now see a window to acquire the 10-time All-Star for a postseason push.
League sources indicate that the Mavericks are exploring options that would allow them to pivot fully toward building around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. With Davis now projected to be healthy for the playoffs, contenders are reportedly viewing him as a potential "final piece" acquisition who also offers long-term value beyond this season. This shift in the Anthony Davis injury update has transformed him from a distressed asset back into a legitimate trade deadline target.
Why Dallas Might Pull the Trigger
The Mavericks currently sit at a disappointing 15-25 record, well outside the playoff picture Dallas envisioned after the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers last year. With the season slipping away, moving Davis now could allow the front office to recoup assets and clear future cap space. Davis holds a player option worth over $62 million for the 2027-28 season, a massive financial commitment that Dallas may prefer to offload given his durability history.
The Financial and Roster Implications
Any NBA breaking news 2026 involving Davis carries massive financial weight. He is earning $54.1 million this season and is owed $58.5 million next year. For a trading partner, acquiring Davis means absorbing this contract while betting that his health holds up for a deep playoff run. Teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors have been linked in preliminary whispers, though the complexity of matching salaries makes any deal a heavy lift.
For Dallas, the decision is critical. Keeping Davis means hoping for a miraculous late-season turnaround once he returns in March. Trading him signals a definitive end to the post-Luka transition era and a full commitment to the Cooper Flagg timeline. As the February deadline approaches, Davis's "lies" comment serves as a reminder that in the NBA, the truth is often fluid until the final buzzer sounds.
