Blockbuster: Wizards Land Anthony Davis In Major Trade
Blockbuster Move: Wizards Acquire Anthony Davis In Huge 8-Player Trade
- Wizards trade for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis and Trae Young to build star power
- Mavericks pivot to a reset, gaining young talent and draft capital after Doncic trade
- Both teams face pressure to make the most of their new rosters and turn their fortunes around
A New Era of Star Power in D.C.
The Washington Wizards have shaken up the NBA with a blockbuster trade. The team acquired 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in an eight-player deal.
Sources say the Wizards also get Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum. Dallas receives Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round draft picks, and three second-round choices.
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Davis, 32, has been sidelined since January with a hand injury. He still averages 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games this season.
This trade marks the Wizards’ second major move of 2026. Washington acquired Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young last month. Young is out with knee and quadriceps injuries, but the Wizards hope he and Davis will form a strong duo.
The Mavericks have faced heavy criticism for dealing Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis last season. That decision led to the firing of former general manager Nico Harrison.
For Washington, the latest deals show a plan to rebuild around star power. Team officials believe Davis and Young can return to form and spark a winning culture in D.C.
Dallas is pivoting to a reset with young talent and draft capital. Middleton brings experience. Johnson and Branham provide depth and future promise.
Fans will be watching closely to see if this big gamble can pay off in Washington. Dallas also faces pressure to make the most of its new assets. The NBA landscape in D.C. just became much more intriguing.
This deal marks the Wizards’ second major acquisition of 2026, following last month’s trade for Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. Young is currently out with knee and quadriceps injuries, but Washington hopes he and Davis will form a formidable duo when healthy.
The move comes after a turbulent stretch for Dallas, which faced heavy criticism for trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis last season. That decision ultimately resulted in the dismissal of former general manager Nico Harrison.
Now sitting at 19-31 and on a five-game losing streak, the Mavericks are 12th in the Western Conference and trail the 10th-place Portland Trail Blazers by 3.5 games.
For Washington, these moves underline the franchise’s intent to rebuild the roster around star power. Team officials are confident that Davis and Young can return to form and restore a winning culture to the nation’s capital.
Dallas, meanwhile, is pivoting toward a reset, gaining young talent and draft capital. Middleton brings veteran leadership to the locker room, while Johnson and Branham add depth and promise for the future.
SOURCE: ESPN
