While all eyes have been on Los Angeles, Anthony Davis is the only 2025 NBA All-Star involved in this stunning trade. According to general manager Nico Harrison, the veteran big man “fits right along with our time frame to win now and win in the future. And the future, to me, is three or four years from now.” Davis certainly aligns with that timeline, but how successful he’ll be in Dallas remains to be seen.

The Dallas Mavericks played just hours after finalizing the deal, leaving fans eager to see their new star in action. However, Davis wasn’t in the building, raising the big question: When will he make his Mavericks debut? Unfortunately, the wait might be longer than expected. Davis is currently recovering from an abdominal injury sustained on January 28th against the Sixers, and there’s no definitive timeline for his return.

Harrison himself admitted he’s “not sure” when Davis will take the court. Reports suggest that his return depends on the severity of the injury. A Grade I abdominal strain typically requires 7 to 10 days of recovery, while a Grade II strain can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. The Lakers’ medical staff initially planned to re-evaluate him in a week, but Dallas’ staff may adopt a different approach. Assuming it’s a minor strain, Davis could make his debut soon.

If his recovery goes well, he could suit up in front of a home crowd when the Mavericks begin a four-game homestand on February 8th against the Rockets, followed by matchups against the Kings, Warriors, and Heat. Fans will also have their eyes on the Lakers game in L.A. on February 25th, which could make for a highly anticipated showdown.

With that, let’s take a closer look at how Anthony Davis has performed this season and what he brings to the Mavericks.

How can Anthony Davis help the Mavericks this season

When you trade away a franchise player in a “win-now” move, you have to back it up with results. The Mavericks have been built around Luka Doncic, and now, integrating Davis into the lineup will be a fascinating adjustment.

The biggest issue Dallas aimed to solve with this trade was defense. Currently, the Mavericks rank 17th in the league in defensive rating, a number that is sure to improve with Davis in the mix. So far this season, he has averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while maintaining his reputation as an elite defender. His versatility and offensive skill set also make him a valuable addition to the roster. Pairing him with Kyrie Irving should create a formidable offensive duo.

However, Davis isn’t without flaws. While he dominates inside the paint, his three-point shooting remains a concern—he’s hitting just 29.8% from beyond the arc, which isn’t a reliable mark. While Dallas will benefit greatly from his defensive impact, they may still need additional sharpshooters to balance the offense.

That said, the Mavericks are betting that the defense truly wins championships. If Davis stays healthy, this trade could be a game-changer for Dallas.