The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to trade veteran forward Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a major eight-player deal, sources told ESPN. This move aims to clear cap space and prioritize young star Cooper Flagg’s development.
The Mavericks will send Davis along with guards Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington. In return, Dallas acquires Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, plus two first-round picks and three second-round draft selections.
The two first-round picks included are notable: one belongs to the Thunder in 2026, and the other is a top-20 protected pick from the Warriors for the 2030 draft. These assets provide Dallas with significant future flexibility in rebuilding efforts.
This trade follows the firing of former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison in early November, partly due to fan dissatisfaction after the team traded star Luka Doncic last year. Harrison had anticipated a championship window led by Davis and Kyrie Irving, but injuries disrupted those plans drastically.
Anthony Davis appeared in only 29 games for Dallas because of recurring injuries. He is under contract for $58.5 million next season and holds a player option worth $62.8 million for 2027-28. Currently, Davis is sidelined with ligament damage in his left hand.
For the Wizards, acquiring Davis represents a push towards competitiveness after a long rebuilding phase. They previously traded for Trae Young, another injured star, signaling their commitment to immediate success. Washington prioritized retaining their young talents like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tre Johnson in this deal.
The transaction also sheds salary for Dallas, moving Hardy’s $6 million and Russell’s $6 million player option off the books. Middleton, Branham, and Bagley come with expiring contracts, further enhancing Dallas’ cap flexibility.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Mavericks’ payroll now sits around $150 million guaranteed for the next season, allowing room for further moves, including a likely lottery pick addition. This financial breathing room aligns with Dallas’s shift to focus on building around Flagg.
Cooper Flagg, the young cornerstone selected first overall in a surprising draft lottery win, is progressing well despite team injuries. He averages 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season, indicating his potential star trajectory.
The Mavericks currently hold a 19-31 record and sit 12th in the Western Conference. They are trailing the 10th-place Portland Trail Blazers by 3.5 games with a five-game losing streak ongoing.
Anthony Davis, 32, has posted solid numbers this season, averaging 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games before his latest injury. His presence on the Wizards could provide veteran leadership and inside scoring for their next campaign.
This blockbuster trade reflects strategic roster management for both teams—Dallas embracing youth and cap flexibility, while Washington chasing a faster return to playoff contention. The move reshapes their futures heading into a critical offseason in the NBA.
Read more at: www.espn.com-
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