The Atlanta Hawks officially began a new era of basketball last week. They traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The team wanted more cap flexibility rather than having Young’s $49 million player option looming this summer. This is not the only significant move Atlanta could make, as reports indicate the Hawks have interest in Anthony Davis. However, the Hawks must weigh the big risks associated with the star big man from a health, contract, and roster development standpoint.
3 Reasons the Hawks Should Stay Away From Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis Has a Lengthy Injury History
When Davis is healthy, he unquestionably ranks among the best defenders, rebounders, and low-post scorers in the league. He averages 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks for the season. People rarely question his on-court production, but his availability leaves a lot to be desired.
Davis has only played 20 games this season and reached the 65-game mark four times in his 14-year career. Multiple groin and calf strains limited him at the beginning of the season, but his latest unfortunate injury could result in a multi-month absence. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Davis will miss at least six weeks with ligament damage in his left hand. If the 10-time All-Star needs Surgery, he could miss multiple months.
Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis has sustained ligament damage in his left hand, sources tell me and @BannedMacMahon. Depending on second opinion and if surgery is required, Davis could miss a number of months. pic.twitter.com/POS4szWjUY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2026
This injury likely kills Davis’ trade market ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. He would not be able to help Atlanta re-light the flame when it was five games over .500 in November. The Hawks might see Davis as a potential fit next to Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson in a big frontcourt trio, which moves Johnson to small forward. However, the risks surrounding the 32-year-old’s health and contract should deter Atlanta from pursuing him any further.
Davis’ Contract Situation
Davis signed a three-year, $175.4 million maximum veteran extension with the Los Angeles Lakers before they traded him last season. He holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign and then automatically hits unrestricted free agency before the 2028-29 season. On top of his current deal, which ends when he turns 34 years old, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Davis seeks a maximum contract extension from Dallas or any team that acquires him.
Anthony Davis’ goal is to receive a max extension, per @BrettSiegelNBA pic.twitter.com/6EUYwLFdPG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 8, 2026
A maximum extension could handcuff the Hawks financially when factoring in Davis’ age and health with the first and second apron restrictions. McCollum, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porziņģis’ contracts are set to expire after this season, and Atlanta will have over $70 million in cap space to spend in free agency. If the team trades for Davis and gives him the extension he wants, that financial freedom goes out the window. The star center’s production likely declines over the course of a potential deal, as it likely approaches his age-40 campaign.
Young Hawks Still Realizing Their Potential
Atlanta was the third-youngest team in the league by average age coming into training camp, and multiple players took big steps forward in their potential this season. Johnson took an All-Star-sized leap in his fifth season, Okongwu became a legitimate threat from beyond the arc, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker turned into a 20-point scorer. Zaccharie Risacher did not improve tremendously since his rookie season, but at 20 years old, he has so much room to grow.
If Atlanta trades for Davis, it commits to a win-now mode with a young core that is not postseason-tested. Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh must carefully analyze the situation before putting the team’s fate in Davis’ hands.
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