The Mavericks have finalized a seismic eight-player trade sending Anthony Davis to the Wizards, a move that signals Dallas’ commitment to constructing a title-contending roster around 19-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg, league sources confirmed.
Dallas will part with Davis alongside guards Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. In return, the Mavericks acquire veteran forward Khris Middleton, guards AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham, center Marvin Bagley III, plus a substantial draft compensation package featuring two first-round selections and three second-rounders.
The first-round picks heading to Dallas include Oklahoma City’s 2026 selection and Golden State’s 2030 pick, which carries top-20 protection. The haul provides the Mavericks with critical assets and financial flexibility as they pivot toward a youth-centered rebuild.
Davis Tenure in Dallas Marred by Injuries
The 10-time All-Star big man’s stint with the Mavericks proved disastrous from a health perspective. Davis appeared in just 29 games wearing a Dallas uniform, hampered by a constant stream of injuries that prevented him from establishing any rhythm or chemistry with his teammates.
His current absence stems from ligament damage in his left hand suffered in early January. The injury-plagued season has raised serious questions about the 32-year-old’s durability moving forward, particularly given his substantial remaining contract obligations.
Davis carries a $58.5 million salary for next season, with a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 campaign. He becomes extension-eligible in August, though his injury history complicates any long-term financial commitments.
Harrison’s Failed Championship Vision
The trade represents a stunning reversal from the ambitious vision former general manager Nico Harrison outlined after acquiring Davis last year. Harrison boldly proclaimed the Mavericks would enjoy a championship window spanning three to four years with a core built around Davis and star guard Kyrie Irving.
That optimistic projection never materialized. The duo shared the court for exactly one game before injuries derailed the entire plan. Davis suffered an adductor strain in his Mavericks debut, sidelining him for six weeks. Irving sustained a torn ACL less than a month later and remains sidelined.
Governor Patrick Dumont dismissed Harrison in early November, a decision largely driven by intense fan backlash over last year’s controversial trade that sent perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Davis served as the centerpiece return in that deal, making his failure to stay healthy particularly painful for the franchise and its supporters.
Flagg Emerges as Franchise Cornerstone
Dallas’ remarkable lottery fortune changed everything. Despite holding just a 1.8 percent chance, the Mavericks won the top pick and selected Flagg, a generational talent who has exceeded even lofty expectations.
The Duke product is averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season while playing alongside an injury-decimated supporting cast. His mature play and leadership at such a young age convinced Dallas leadership to accelerate their timeline and build exclusively around him.
The financial benefits of this trade prove equally significant. Dallas dropped below the luxury tax threshold this season while reducing next year’s payroll to approximately $150 million in guaranteed money. The Mavericks also shed Hardy’s $6 million salary and Russell’s $6 million player option, acquiring primarily expiring contracts in Middleton, Branham and Bagley.
Washington Bets on Star Power Despite Injury Concerns
The Wizards are gambling that Davis can regain his All-Star form and help accelerate their rebuild. Washington prioritized retaining its own premium draft picks and homegrown young talent, including Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson, while still adding proven star power.
This marks the second major acquisition of an injured star for the Wizards this season. Washington previously traded for Hawks guard Trae Young last month, though he has not played since December due to knee and quadriceps injuries. The franchise clearly believes pairing Davis with Young creates a competitive foundation for next season after years of rebuilding.
Davis is averaging 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds across 20 games this season when healthy. Whether he and Young can stay on the court together remains the critical question for Washington’s ambitious plan.
The Mavericks entered Wednesday with a 19-31 record, sitting 12th in the Western Conference on a five-game losing streak. They trail the 10th-place Trail Blazers by 3.5 games. The trade gives Dallas the flexibility and assets to continue reshaping the roster around Flagg while positioning themselves for another potentially valuable lottery selection this summer.
Source: ESPN
