Wizards Taking the Long View with Anthony Davis, Trae Young Still Sidelined
The Washington Wizards aren’t rushing anything - and that includes Anthony Davis. The newly acquired forward, brought in from Dallas just before the trade deadline, is expected to sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he continues to recover from groin and hand injuries, according to league sources.
This isn’t just a short-term precaution. Davis has been managing multiple injuries dating back to last season, and the hand issue alone was projected to keep him out for most of February, if not longer.
It’s a layered situation - and one that clearly impacted how the Mavericks approached trade talks. Teams were interested earlier in the season, but as concerns about Davis’ durability resurfaced, interest cooled.
That opened the door for Washington to make a move.
For the Wizards, this is about the big picture. They’re in the midst of a rebuild, and protecting a top-eight-protected 2026 first-round pick is a key part of that strategy.
Letting Davis rest aligns with their timeline. There’s no sense in pushing a veteran star back into action when the team’s focus is clearly on developing young talent and positioning themselves for the future.
Trae Young, another high-profile addition from last month, also remains sidelined. He still hasn’t made his Wizards debut and is expected to stay out through the All-Star break.
Again, no panic from Washington. They’re playing the long game here.
As for Davis, he’s keeping all options on the table. In a recent phone interview, he described his meeting with Wizards ownership and front office as “great,” but made it clear that he’s looking for direction.
“At this point in my career, I want to compete for a championship,” Davis said. “Whether that’s here or elsewhere, I have no idea.”
It’s a candid comment from a player who’s been through the wars and knows what it takes to win. Whether Washington becomes that contender or serves as a stepping stone remains to be seen, but for now, both sides seem content to take their time.
Knicks Embrace Jose Alvarado’s Edge
In New York, the Knicks are already feeling the impact of newly added guard Jose Alvarado - and head coach Mike Brown isn’t hiding his excitement.
“He just brings a level of toughness,” Brown said. “His energy is unmatched.
What he can do defensively, his pace, his ability to touch the paint and make others better. We want to play fast, and he fits.”
Alvarado has always been known for his defensive grit and relentless motor, but Brown also pointed out something that often gets overlooked: his shooting. According to the coach, Alvarado has more touch than people give him credit for, and his presence should help the Knicks get into their sets more quickly and consistently.
This isn’t just about adding another body to the rotation - it’s about identity. Alvarado brings a spark that fits the Knicks’ up-tempo aspirations, and Brown clearly believes he can help elevate the group on both ends of the floor.
Trail Blazers Stay the Course, Welcome Reinforcements
While other teams shuffled the deck at the trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers largely stood pat - and the locker room didn’t mind one bit.
“There’s a little bit of tension,” interim head coach Tiago Splitter admitted. “But I’m glad everybody’s back. Everybody’s happy to be here.”
Portland did make one minor move, bringing in Vit Krejci, who will compete for minutes. But the real boost comes from within.
Rookie guard Scoot Henderson is back from a hamstring injury, and Deni Avdija is nearing a return as well. That means the Blazers are finally staring down a more stable rotation - something they’ve been chasing all season.
With about 30 games left, Splitter is hoping this version of the team becomes the norm. Continuity matters, especially for a young roster trying to find its rhythm.
“We’ve still got about 30 games left,” Splitter said. “Hopefully, this is the normal for us from now on.”
In a season that’s been anything but predictable, a little stability could go a long way in Portland.