In a significant development shaking up the National Basketball Association landscape, veteran forward Anthony Davis is reportedly on his way to the Washington Wizards. The Dallas Mavericks are trading the seasoned player as part of a substantial eight-player transaction, according to multiple sources confirming the deal.
Details of the Blockbuster Trade
The complex trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards involves numerous players and future draft considerations. The reported framework of this major transaction includes:
- Washington Wizards sending: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, and Marvin Bagley III to Dallas, along with two first-round draft picks and three second-round selections.
- Dallas Mavericks sending: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington.
This transaction represents one of the most substantial player exchanges as teams position themselves ahead of the NBA trade deadline, scheduled for Thursday, February 5th at 3 p.m.
Context of Davis' Time in Dallas
Anthony Davis originally joined the Dallas Mavericks as part of a controversial February 2025 trade that sent beloved star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. That earlier transaction faced heavy criticism from basketball analysts and fans alike, as former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison traded away Dončić—a player in his prime—for Davis, an aging veteran with a history of injury concerns.
Davis has not appeared in an NBA game since January 8th, when he sustained ligament damage in his left hand. Medical staff considered surgical intervention but ultimately decided to allow the injury to heal naturally without an operation.
Washington's Aggressive Roster Moves
The acquisition of Anthony Davis represents Washington's second major roster addition in recent weeks. In January, the Wizards secured another star player, guard Trae Young, through a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. However, similar to Davis, Young is currently sidelined from play due to reported injuries including a sprained right knee and bruised quadriceps.
These moves signal Washington's commitment to building a competitive roster despite current injury challenges affecting their newly acquired talent.
Frenzied Trade Activity Across the League
The Dallas-Washington transaction occurred amidst a flurry of trade activity across the NBA as teams prepared for the impending deadline. Several other significant deals were reported on Wednesday, including:
- The Oklahoma City Thunder acquiring second-year guard Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a 2026 first-round draft pick and three future second-round selections.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers sending guard Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal that will also send center Jock Landale from the Jazz to the Atlanta Hawks.
- The Charlotte Hornets bringing in guards Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. from the Chicago Bulls, who will receive guard Collin Sexton, forward Ousmane Dieng (from Oklahoma City), and three future second-round picks, with Oklahoma City adding Mason Plumlee from Charlotte.
This period of intense roster movement reflects teams' strategic calculations as they position themselves for both immediate competitiveness and long-term development through draft capital and player acquisitions.
The trade of Anthony Davis to Washington represents a significant chapter in the veteran forward's career and marks another pivotal moment in what has become an exceptionally active NBA trade season.
