The Dallas Mavericks just pulled off one of the most seismic trades of the NBA season, sending Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster eight-player deal that reshapes both rosters and signals a clear shift in direction for Dallas.
Let’s unpack the trade: Alongside Davis, the Wizards are acquiring Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum. In return, the Mavericks are receiving Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, and Marvin Bagley III. That’s a lot of moving pieces, but the real headline here is the financial and future flexibility Dallas gains - and the high-risk, high-reward star power Washington adds.
Dallas Clears the Deck - and the Books
For the Mavericks, this is about much more than just player exchange. The deal clears roughly $70 million from their payroll for next season, a massive financial reset that puts them below the luxury tax line and both salary cap aprons. That’s a strategic win in today’s cap-tight league, where flexibility can be just as valuable as talent.
But Dallas didn’t just shed salary - they stocked up on draft capital. The Mavs are walking away with two first-round picks: one from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2026 and a protected 2030 first-rounder from the Golden State Warriors.
They’re also adding second-round picks from the Suns (2026), Bulls (2027), and Rockets (2029). That’s five future picks added to the war chest, giving them the kind of assets that can grease the wheels for future trades or help them build a younger, more cost-controlled core.
Washington Goes All-In on Star Power
On the other side of the deal, Washington is making a bold move - and it’s not their first this season. After landing Trae Young from Atlanta in January, the Wizards now add Davis, a 10-time All-Star who, when healthy, remains one of the league’s most dominant two-way forces.
Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game this season. That’s elite production, even if it’s been limited to just 20 appearances due to a hand injury that currently has him sidelined for at least six weeks.
While Davis avoided surgery, the injury is a reminder of the durability concerns that have followed him throughout his career. Still, when he’s on the floor, he changes games - and now he’ll be doing that alongside Trae Young in D.C.
Davis is under contract through at least the 2026-27 season and holds a $62.8 million player option for the following year. He’ll also be eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million max extension this coming August. That’s a major financial commitment, but it shows Washington is serious about building a contender.
A New Direction in D.C.
This deal doesn’t just give the Wizards a star-studded duo - it also adds veteran experience to a roster that’s been leaning heavily on youth. Washington already has a promising group of young talent in Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Bilal Coulibaly. Now, they’ve got a pair of proven stars to lead the way and help accelerate their development.
The Wizards are still sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings at 13-36, but this trade signals they’re not content to stay there. With their 2026 first-round pick top-eight protected, they’ll still have a shot at adding another high-upside prospect through the draft. But the focus is clearly shifting toward building a competitive core - not just collecting young talent.
Big Picture: A Calculated Gamble for Both Sides
For Dallas, this is a reset - but not a rebuild. Shedding Davis’ contract and picking up assets gives them room to retool around Luka Dončić and potentially chase another star down the line.
For Washington, it’s a swing for the fences. Pairing Davis with Young gives them a dynamic one-two punch, and if Davis can stay healthy, the Wizards suddenly become a team to watch in the East.
This is one of those trades that could look very different in a year or two depending on health, development, and how those draft picks pan out. But for now, both franchises made bold moves that reflect their ambitions - and we’ll be watching closely to see how it all plays out.