The Dallas Mavericks have traded Anthony Davis in a blockbuster deal to a hugely surprising team.
Davis is being dealt to the Washington Wizards in a massive deal, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Davis headlines a four-player package headed to Washington in exchange for a package including Khris Middleton and two first-round draft picks.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sfrQQubI5i
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
Few envisioned the Wizards being aggressive buyers this season, but the organization clearly believes it is close to contending. They added Trae Young earlier this year, and seemingly believe that a core of Young and Davis, surrounded by promising young players Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson, could be contenders sooner rather than later. However, with the Wizards entering play Wednesday at 13-36, it is more likely that the Wizards will not get the chance to really compete until next season.
The Mavericks trade Davis away nearly a year to the day that they acquired him for Luka Doncic. The move has to be seen as a failure, as the additional two first-round picks hardly make up for the decision to trade their franchise player for the Lakers. Davis spent most of his Mavericks tenure hurt, and while he averaged 20.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game with Dallas, those numbers came in just 29 games. Those injuries severely limited his trade value, including one he suffered in January that still has him sidelined.
If the Wizards can keep Davis healthy, they could legitimately contend next season. That is always the big question with him, but by acquiring him without giving up premium talent, it is a risk worth taking.
