The Anthony Davis trade rumors have reached a fever pitch just weeks ahead of the NBA trade deadline 2026. As the Dallas Mavericks navigate a turbulent stretch in their post-Luka Dončić era, reports indicate that both the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors have emerged as serious suitors for the nine-time All-Star. The situation is further complicated by a bizarre conflicting narrative surrounding an Anthony Davis injury update, with the star forward publicly clashing with media reports regarding the severity of his hand condition.
The Hand Injury Controversy: Shams vs. Davis
The catalyst for this sudden whirlwind of trade speculation is the confusion surrounding Davis's health. On Tuesday, leading NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Davis was considering season-ending surgery to repair a ligament tear in his right hand—a blow that would effectively tank the Mavericks' season. The report sent shockwaves through the league, lowering Dallas's leverage in potential negotiations.
However, the narrative shifted hours later when Davis took to social media to vehemently deny the report. "Don't believe the noise. Hand is fine. I'll be on the court Thursday," Davis posted on X (formerly Twitter). This public dispute has created an air of uncertainty in the Mavericks' front office. Sources close to the situation suggest that while the injury might not require immediate surgery, the friction between Davis and the medical staff has accelerated discussions about his future in Dallas, especially as the team looks to build a long-term timeline around sophomore sensation Cooper Flagg.
Atlanta Hawks: Pivoting After the Trae Young Trade
The Atlanta Hawks trade targets list has shifted dramatically following their blockbuster deal on January 7, sending franchise icon Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. While many expected a full rebuild, Hawks GM Onsi Saleh has signaled an aggressive retooling strategy. With the assets acquired from Washington and the emergence of Jalen Johnson as a legitimate cornerstone, Atlanta is looking to pair their young forward with an elite defensive anchor.
"We are not taking a step back," Saleh told reporters earlier this week. "We have the flexibility to add a premier talent right now." Davis, who is under contract through the 2027-28 season (player option), fits the archetype of the defensive changemaker Atlanta has lacked for a decade. A potential package could center around the draft capital accumulated in the Young trade, along with salary fillers like CJ McCollum or De'Andre Hunter, giving Dallas the veteran shooting and future assets they desperately need to support Flagg.
Toronto Raptors: The "Northern Giant" Experiment
Meanwhile, Toronto Raptors rumors suggest Masai Ujiri is preparing for one of his signature "all-in" moves. After acquiring Brandon Ingram last season to pair with Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors have solidified themselves as a playoff team but lack the interior dominance to contend with the East's elite. Adding Davis would create arguably the longest and most versatile frontcourt in NBA history.
Toronto's interest is driven by the belief that a healthy Davis—paired with Barnes' playmaking and Ingram's scoring—would make them an instant title contender. The Raptors possess all their future first-round picks and could offer a package built around young shooter Gradey Dick and salary-matching contracts. For Dallas, the appeal lies in Toronto's young role players who fit the timeline of their new 19-year-old face of the franchise.
Dallas Mavericks: The Cooper Flagg Timeline
Ultimately, the decision rests on how the Mavericks view their timeline. Since the historic trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers a year ago, Dallas has been in a transitional phase. While the arrival of Davis brought defensive identity, the team has hovered around .500. The rapid ascent of Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, has forced the front office to reconsider whether a 32-year-old Davis is the right partner for a teenager.
If the medical evaluations on Davis's hand show any long-term risk, Dallas may choose to sell high now rather than risk a diminishing asset. With the February 5th deadline looming, the Mavericks hold the cards to the biggest blockbuster of the 2026 season. Whether Davis remains in Texas to mentor Flagg or heads East to shift the balance of power depends entirely on whose medical report you believe.
