In a blockbuster move just ahead of the trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to send 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a massive eight-player deal that also includes a haul of draft picks, according to reports.
Let’s break it down: Dallas is receiving Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, and Marvin Bagley III, along with two first-round picks and three second-rounders. Meanwhile, Washington is adding Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum alongside Davis.
This deal is as much about reshaping rosters as it is about rewriting narratives.
Davis Era in Dallas Ends Quietly
Anthony Davis’ stint in Dallas never quite hit the highs many expected. Since arriving in the controversial trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers just over a year ago, Davis has struggled to stay on the court and fully integrate into the Mavericks’ system. He’s been sidelined since January 8 with a hand injury and played in only 20 of the team’s first 50 games this season.
Still, when healthy, Davis was productive. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game this season.
And over his 29 total appearances with Dallas - all starts - he put up nearly identical numbers: 20.2 points, 10.8 boards, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks. The Mavs went 16-13 in those games.
Solid, but not quite the franchise-altering impact Dallas hoped for when they pulled the trigger on the Dončić deal.
The fallout from that trade was swift. Fan frustration boiled over, and it ultimately cost GM Nico Harrison his job in November. Now, with Davis on the move again, the Mavericks are clearly trying to reset.
Washington Doubles Down on Star Power
For the Wizards, this marks the second time this winter they’ve swung big. They already landed four-time All-Star Trae Young from Atlanta back on January 9.
Young, who’s still recovering from MCL and quad injuries, has yet to make his Wizards debut. But adding Davis to the mix signals Washington’s intent to pivot from perpetual rebuild mode to something more competitive - or at least more star-studded.
The Wizards have been stuck near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings all season, entering Wednesday tied for 14th place at 13-36. But with Davis and, eventually, Young, they’re betting on talent to change the trajectory.
What Dallas Gets in Return
This wasn’t just a salary dump or a star-for-star swap. Dallas is getting back a mix of veterans, young talent, and valuable draft capital.
Khris Middleton is the headliner here. The 34-year-old forward is a three-time All-Star and a 2021 NBA champion from his time in Milwaukee.
He’s not the same player he was during the Bucks’ title run, but he’s still capable of contributing. In 34 games with Washington this season, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
Marvin Bagley III, still just 26, has quietly been solid in a reserve role. He averaged 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds across 38 games, eight of which he started. Malaki Branham and AJ Johnson bring youth and upside, while the draft picks offer Dallas some long-term flexibility.
D’Angelo Russell and Others Head to D.C.
For Washington, adding D’Angelo Russell gives them another experienced guard with scoring ability. He put up 10.2 points and 4.0 assists in 26 games (three starts) for Dallas. Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum round out the incoming group, providing depth and, potentially, a spark off the bench.
Big Picture
The Mavericks are 19-31 and riding a five-game losing streak heading into Thursday night’s matchup with the Spurs. They currently sit 12th in the West - a far cry from where they hoped to be this season.
This trade signals a shift, not a surrender. By moving Davis, they’re recalibrating, not tanking.
Washington, meanwhile, is loading up on name recognition and hoping it translates to wins. Davis and Young - once healthy - give the Wizards two marquee players to build around. It’s a bold strategy for a team that’s been stuck in the lottery for years.
With the trade deadline looming at 3 p.m. Thursday, this deal could set the tone for a wild finish. For now, the Mavs and Wizards have made their moves - and the rest of the league is watching.