The Dallas Mavericks have detonated the NBA trade market, moving Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a massive deadline shakeup that signals a complete organizational reset.
The blockbuster deal continues a turbulent stretch for Dallas following last year’s decision to trade Luka Doncic and confirms the franchise is fully committed to rebuilding around youth and future assets.
The Mavericks are sending Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, and five draft picks, according to ESPN. The move provides Dallas with significant flexibility moving forward while Washington loads up on star power.
Davis, a ten-time All-Star and former NBA champion, has dealt with injuries during his brief tenure in Dallas.
The superstar big man is currently sidelined with a hand injury but is expected to return later this month. Despite his health challenges, Davis remained productive when available, averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds across 20 games this season.
While Dallas pivots toward development, Washington appears focused on accelerating its competitive timeline. The Wizards had already made waves earlier in the trade cycle by acquiring Trae Young, and the addition of Davis signals a clear attempt to rise quickly in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas strongly endorsed Washington’s aggressive strategy during an appearance on ‘The Arena,’ praising the organization’s roster construction.
“They are an A plus right now on trades. You got Trae Young and Anthony Davis, you keep your draft pick, and you have [Alex] Sarr, and you have Tre [Johnson],” Arenas said on ‘The Arena‘. “You have a whole bunch of young boys over there with your veterans, and you’re going to get a top-10 pick.”
Washington managed to land both Young and Davis while maintaining valuable future assets, including their own lottery pick. The Wizards acquired Young without surrendering draft capital and added Davis while still retaining premium future flexibility.
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