Big news in the NBA: the Mavericks are trading superstar Anthony Davis to the Wizards. This move, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, also involves the Mavericks sending Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington.
In exchange, the Mavericks will get Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, a couple of first-round picks, and three second-rounders. The first-round picks include what’s likely going to be a late 2026 pick from the Thunder and a top-20 protected pick from the Warriors in 2030.
This trade has been on the horizon for a while. Davis struggled with injuries, and there were questions about whether a deal could happen. Teams like Atlanta and Toronto pulled back, which allowed the Wizards to swoop in.
For the Wizards, sitting at 13-36, this is a bold move. They’re trying to be competitive next season, especially after recently acquiring four-time All-Star Trae Young. Pairing Young with Davis—who’s a 10-time All-Star—shows Washington’s intent to make a significant impact.
Interestingly, the Wizards wanted to bring in a strong frontcourt player to complement two-year player Alex Sarr. They had considered Domantas Sabonis and Walker Kessler before leaning toward Davis. Experts suggest that acquiring Davis now gives them a chance to revive his career, which has been hampered by injuries this season.
Despite the initial impression of giving up a lot for Davis, the value of those draft picks could be less than expected. The 2026 pick may end up being at the bottom of the first round, and the 2030 selection may quickly convert into a second-round pick if it falls within the top 20.
This trade could significantly reshape the Mavericks’ financial situation. Moving Davis frees them from his hefty contract and gives them more flexibility to build for the future. They will save around $57 million with this transaction. Financial expert Yossi Gozlan highlights that taking on Davis’s cap hit was becoming a burden for Dallas.
Moreover, this trade sets the Mavericks up to support their rookie star Cooper Flagg. With a pair of first-round picks in the promising 2026 draft, they will have the chance to rebuild effectively. The previous management, under Nico Harrison, made a controversial trade to bring Davis to Dallas in hopes of retaining their franchise player Luka Doncic. Now, with this shift, it’s evident that the Mavericks are looking to learn from past blunders.
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aj johnson,alex sarr,anthony davis,d'angelo russell,dante exum,domantas sabonis,jaden hardy,khris middleton,malaki branham,marvin bagley iii,walker kessler
