Is Anthony Davis Going To Retire From the NBA?

Is Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis going to retire from the NBA? Here’s what we know so far regarding Davis, 32, and his future in the league.

Is Anthony Davis Going To Retire?

The Mavericks’ 125-107 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night was more than just a second straight loss; it was a knockout blow to the Mavericks.

Davis suffered ligament damage in his left hand late in the fourth quarter of the loss. Davis had minimal contact while defending the Jazz’s star Lauri Markkanen. Davis’ latest injury spoiled his hometown return.

This injury news has sparked a recent rumor that Davis would retire, which has gone viral in the NBA world. However, a rumor of this nature wouldn’t be a surprise. His recent injuries and availability issues have significantly lowered his trade value. His recent injury disrupted the Mavs’ regular season, a glaring issue if the Mavs want to build around rookie Cooper Flagg.

He has been receiving excessive criticism online, including from rapper Freddie Gibbs, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Man just retire” with a quote of a Hater Report post that read, “CRAZY: Anthony Davis hasn’t even been a Dallas Maverick for 1 full year yet and these are some of the injuries he’s had. Bro is a real life Mr. Glass.”

Funnily enough, Gibbs, 42, isn’t even a Mavs fan but roots for the Chicago Bulls. He was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, about 30 miles from Chicago. He has expressed admiration for Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose in the past.

How Long Is Davis Out?

Davis’ injury spoiled the Mavs’ plan of trading him as he’s expected to remain sidelined for weeks and perhaps months.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the 32-year-old is expected to miss “a number of months” after injuring his hand. Charania also reported that surgery is on the table for him, which would keep him out for most of the season. If he doesn’t need surgery, he’ll miss at least six weeks.

The Chicago native is still slated to see a hand specialist, per NBA insider Marc Stein. He was spotted wearing a sling ahead of the Saturday night game between the Mavs and Bulls.

Either way, the Kentucky basketball alum may miss the NBA trade deadline on February 5, with an absence that will be significant. He was previously expected to become one of the biggest names in the NBA trade market this season.

Next Steps

So far this season, Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals, while shooting 50.6% from the field, 27.0% from three-point range, and 72.8% from the free throw line.

The former first-round pick is having another strong season. When healthy, he is one of the most dominant players in the NBA.

He is currently in the first season of a three-year, $175 million contract he initially signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. This doesn’t include a player option for the third season. His cap hit is set to rise by approximately $4 million a year over the next two seasons.

As of right now, he hasn’t retired yet, but be on the lookout to see his next steps and ignore NBACentel’s post on X that falsely claimed that he informed the Mavs he plans to retire from the NBA.