Wizards Taking the Long View with Anthony Davis, Embracing the Rebuild
The Wizards made one of the more intriguing moves ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Anthony Davis from the Mavericks. But don’t expect to see him suiting up in a Washington jersey anytime soon. According to league sources, Davis is likely done for the season as he continues to recover from groin and hand injuries that have lingered since last year.
The hand injury alone was expected to sideline him well into February, and that’s without factoring in the cumulative wear and tear he’s been managing. That injury history loomed large for Dallas, shaping how they approached the market. While several teams showed interest in Davis earlier in the year, concerns about his health cooled the pursuit - and that’s when Washington made its move.
For the Wizards, this isn’t about the short-term. They’re playing the long game, and sitting Davis fits right into that strategy.
Not only does it give the eight-time All-Star time to fully recover, but it also aligns with the team’s incentive to protect its top-eight-protected 2026 first-round pick. In a season where development and future assets are the priority, there’s no need to rush a star back into action.
This is part of a broader rebuild in D.C., and Davis isn’t the only new face waiting in the wings. Trae Young, who was brought in last month, still hasn’t made his debut and is expected to remain sidelined through the All-Star break. It’s clear the Wizards are focused on the long haul, not immediate results.
As for Davis, he’s not closing any doors. In a recent phone interview, he described his initial meetings with Wizards ownership and the front office as “great,” but he was candid about his mindset at this stage of his career.
“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.”
That kind of honesty underscores where both sides stand. The Wizards are rebuilding, and Davis wants to win now. Whether those paths eventually align remains to be seen - but for now, the focus is on recovery, flexibility, and the future.
Knicks Embrace Jose Alvarado’s Grit and Pace
In New York, head coach Mike Brown didn’t hold back when asked about new addition Jose Alvarado. The Knicks brought in the energetic guard to inject some edge into their backcourt, and Brown is already seeing the impact.
“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’s defense has always been his calling card, but Brown also made a point to highlight his underrated shooting. The Knicks believe he can help them push the tempo and create more consistent offensive flow - something they’ve been looking to improve.
In a system that values grit and pace, Alvarado looks like a natural fit. His presence gives the Knicks another gear, and Brown seems confident that gear will be key down the stretch.
Trail Blazers Stay the Course, Look to Finish Strong
While other teams were wheeling and dealing, the Trail Blazers mostly stayed put at the deadline - and that was just fine with the locker room.
“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 a minor move, adding Vit Krejci, who’ll get a chance to compete for minutes. But the real reinforcements are coming from within.
Scoot Henderson is finally back after dealing with a hamstring injury, and Deni Avdija is nearing a return as well. That should help solidify the rotation and bring some much-needed continuity to a team that’s been juggling lineups all season.
With about 30 games left, the Blazers are hoping this stretch run brings some stability - and maybe a clearer picture of what this young core can become.
“Hopefully, this is the normal for us from now on,” Splitter said.
For a team that’s leaned heavily on development and internal growth, that kind of normal could be exactly what they need.