Mavericks Set to Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards
The Dallas Mavericks are set to trade star player Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal will also include Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum heading to Washington.
Details of the Trade
In return, the Mavericks will acquire an impressive package that consists of:
- Khris Middleton
- AJ Johnson
- Malaki Branham
- Marvin Bagley III
- Two first-round picks
- Three second-round picks
Specifically, the first-round picks are projected to be a “least favorable” 2026 selection likely from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors’ top-20 protected pick in 2030.
Second-Round Picks
The second-round selections included in the trade are:
- Phoenix’s 2026 pick
- Chicago’s 2027 pick
- Houston’s 2029 pick
Impact on Both Teams
The deal comes after a challenging season for Davis, who has faced multiple injuries. He is expected to be sidelined for most of February. Initial interest from teams like Atlanta and Toronto waned, which opened the door for the Wizards to make this surprising acquisition.
The Wizards are 13-36 this season and appear to be strategically positioning themselves for future competitiveness. With the addition of Davis, a 10-time All-Star, they aim to create a strong roster alongside four-time All-Star Trae Young.
Financial Implications
For Dallas, moving Davis’s maximum contract, which is projected at $58.5 million for the 2026-27 season, provides significant financial flexibility. The Mavericks will also save on Hardy’s $6 million guaranteed contract and Russell’s $6 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, this trade allows the Mavericks to step away from the luxury tax threshold, enabling $57 million in savings. This newfound financial freedom positions them to build around promising rookie Cooper Flagg, especially with two first-round picks in a strong 2026 draft.
The Future Outlook
This trade marks a significant shift for the Mavericks, contrasting sharply with the investment made to acquire Davis last year. The franchise, which parted ways with Davis following decisions made under former basketball operations head Nico Harrison, recognizes the potential missteps from earlier trades.
With a cleaner financial slate and a focus on younger talent, the Mavericks are looking to build a more sustainable and successful future.
