The Washington Wizards aren’t just dipping their toes into the trade waters-they’re diving in headfirst. After shaking up the NBA landscape by landing Trae Young, the Wizards have now doubled down on their ambition, pulling off another blockbuster by acquiring Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in a massive eight-player deal.
This isn’t just about adding star power. It’s a clear signal from Washington’s front office: the rebuild is over. The Wizards are ready to compete.
Anthony Davis Heads to D.C.: Breaking Down the Deal
Let’s start with the trade itself. Here’s what went down:
Wizards receive:
- C Anthony Davis
- G D’Angelo Russell
- G Jaden Hardy
- G Dante Exum
Mavericks receive:
- SF Khris Middleton
- G AJ Johnson
- G Malaki Branham
- PF/C Marvin Bagley III
- Two first-round picks
- Three second-round picks
It’s a bold move on both sides. The Wizards are betting big on talent and experience, while the Mavericks pivot toward depth, flexibility, and future assets.
What Davis Brings to the Wizards
Anthony Davis might be sidelined right now with a hand injury, but when healthy, he’s still one of the league’s most dominant two-way forces. A 14-year vet with a championship ring and eight All-Star nods, Davis brings elite rim protection, rebounding, and scoring touch to a Wizards team that’s lacked a true interior anchor for years.
Even this season-his brief stint in Dallas-Davis was averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 20 games. That’s not a drop-off; that’s still high-level production, even if the minutes have been limited.
Over his career, Davis has averaged 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 52.2% from the field. He’s a walking double-double, with the ability to stretch the floor, switch defensively, and serve as a go-to option in crunch time.
But the elephant in the room? Availability.
Davis has only played 70+ games three times in 14 seasons. That includes a 76-game campaign in 2023-24, but history suggests the Wizards will need to manage his workload carefully. The talent is undeniable-but keeping him on the floor will be crucial.
The Bigger Picture: Pairing Davis with Trae Young
Washington didn’t make these moves to tread water. They’re building a core that can compete in the East-maybe not today, but certainly next season.
Pairing Davis with Trae Young gives the Wizards a dynamic inside-out duo. Young’s playmaking and deep shooting stretch defenses to the limit, while Davis provides the kind of interior presence that opens up the floor for everyone else. If both can stay healthy, this combo has the potential to be electric.
And don’t overlook the supporting cast. D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum all bring something to the table-Russell as a scoring guard with playoff experience, Hardy as an intriguing young piece, and Exum as a steady veteran presence.
What Dallas Gets in Return
For the Mavericks, this is about reshaping the roster around Luka Doncic-or whatever direction they’re heading post-Doncic, depending on how their rebuild unfolds.
Khris Middleton brings championship pedigree and veteran leadership. AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham are young guards with upside, and Marvin Bagley III gives them a frontcourt body who can still contribute when healthy. Add in five draft picks-two firsts and three seconds-and Dallas has positioned itself with flexibility for the future.
One of those first-rounders is from Oklahoma City in 2026, likely toward the back end of the round. The other is a protected 2030 pick from Golden State. Not franchise-altering on their own, but valuable chips in a long-term rebuild or future trade package.
Davis’ Contract: The Long-Term Investment
Davis is under contract through the 2027-28 season, with cap hits of $58.5 million next year and $62.8 million the year after. That’s a hefty price tag-but it’s the going rate for top-tier talent in today’s NBA.
The Wizards are clearly comfortable with that number, especially if Davis can stay healthy and produce at his usual level. It also gives them a clear window: the next 2-3 years are all about maximizing this core before Davis hits the tail end of his deal.
A Look Back: Davis’ Journey to D.C.
Davis’ path to Washington has been anything but linear.
- 2012-2019: He began his career in New Orleans, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier big men. Multiple All-Star selections, elite numbers, but limited playoff success.
- 2019-2025: The move to L.A. delivered what he was chasing: a championship. Davis was dominant in the 2020 bubble run, averaging 27.7 points per game in the playoffs and forming a lethal duo with LeBron James.
But injuries followed, and his availability became a persistent concern.
- 2025-2026: A surprising trade sent him to Dallas in the Luka Doncic blockbuster.
Davis played just 29 games with the Mavs before this latest move.
- 2026-present: Now, he’s in Washington, tasked with helping lead a team that’s desperate to turn the corner.
At 32 years old, Davis still has plenty left in the tank-if his body holds up. He’ll turn 33 on March 11, and when his current deal expires, he’ll be 35. The Wizards are betting that his experience, skill set, and leadership can help elevate the franchise during that window.
Final Thoughts
The Wizards aren’t waiting around anymore. By landing Trae Young and now Anthony Davis, they’ve gone from rebuilding to reloading in a matter of weeks.
The success of this bold new era will hinge on health, chemistry, and how quickly this new-look roster can gel. But one thing’s for sure: Washington is no longer content with being an afterthought in the East.
They’re swinging for the fences-and with Davis and Young leading the charge, they just might connect.