Announced! The latest injury update on AD! Restarting trade talks could shake up the NBA

Yes!

The Mavericks officially announced:AD’s left hand injury does not need surgery and he should recover in roughly six weeks.

Almost at the same time, insider Shams revealed:The Mavericks are restarting trade talks about AD with several teams...

This year's trade deadline is February 6, which implies that when AD returns to the NBA court, he might not be playing for the Mavericks anymore.

Since mid-last season until now, AD has played only 29 games for the Mavericks, averaging 30.8 minutes, contributing 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 49.2%, 25.4%, and 71.3% respectively. When he’s on the court, the team’s record is 16-13; during his 44-game absence, the record is 12-32.

AD’s current contract runs through the summer of 2028, with a salary of $54.13 million this season, $58.46 million next season, and a player option worth $62.79 million for the 27-28 season. He is eligible this summer for a supermax extension of four years worth $275 million.

Clearly, since the Mavericks are pursuing a trade involving AD, they have no intention of re-signing him. He is therefore open to leaving Dallas because joining a new team would give him the chance to secure that $275 million four-year supermax deal this summer. At 32, soon to be 33, locking in a guaranteed contract for the future is his top priority.

Now the question is, which teams are willing to take a chance on the injury-prone AD? It is reported that most are Eastern Conference playoff or play-in contenders,including the Pistons, who are first in the East, the Raptors in fourth, and the Hawks in ninth.

The Pistons, this season’s biggest surprise, have led the East standings since the start of the season and are strong contenders to make a deep playoff run or even top the conference. They are eager to strengthen their roster. The twin towers of AD and Durant (averaging 17.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, with a 63.3% shooting percentage) would form the NBA’s most formidable defensive zone.

However, AD’s physical condition remains a massive risk. If he can’t stay on the court, everything else is just empty talk and wishful thinking. Acquiring him is always a high-risk, high-reward move.