The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to trade 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a major eight-player deal that signals a shift in Dallas’ long-term strategy. The move is designed to give the Mavericks greater flexibility as they focus on building around rookie star Cooper Flagg, according to league sources.
As part of the trade, Dallas will send Davis along with guards Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington. In return, the Mavericks will receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round draft picks, and three second-round selections. The first-round picks included in the deal reportedly come from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2026 and a top-20-protected pick from the Golden State Warriors in 2030.
The Mavericks had been exploring trade options involving Davis since early November, following organizational changes and fan criticism stemming from last year’s controversial Luka Dončić trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis, who was the centerpiece of that deal, struggled to stay on the court during his short tenure in Dallas, appearing in only 29 games due to multiple injuries. He has also been sidelined since early January with ligament damage in his left hand.
Financial flexibility played a major role in the Mavericks’ decision. The trade allows Dallas to shed several contracts and drop below the luxury tax threshold this season. The team’s projected payroll for next season is now expected to sit around $150 million, potentially creating space to reshape the roster in the offseason, especially as the team is likely to hold another lottery draft selection.
The franchise’s future now centers on Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick who has quickly become one of the league’s most promising young stars. Despite injuries across the roster, Flagg has delivered strong performances, averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season. Dallas is hoping to build a competitive team around the 19-year-old as it looks to rebound from a difficult season. The Mavericks currently hold a 19-31 record and sit outside playoff contention in the Western Conference.
For Washington, the trade represents a bold attempt to accelerate its rebuilding timeline. The Wizards have already made headlines this season by acquiring star guard Trae Young, although he has not played since December due to knee and quadriceps injuries. By adding Davis, the organization aims to strengthen its roster while maintaining its core group of young talent, including Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tre Johnson.
Davis, 32, is still considered one of the league’s top big men when healthy, averaging 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games this season. Washington hopes his experience and leadership can help the team transition from rebuilding toward playoff contention in the coming seasons.
The trade marks another significant shift for both franchises. Dallas appears committed to a youth-focused rebuild centered on Flagg, while Washington is taking a calculated risk by acquiring an experienced star in hopes of accelerating its return to competitiveness.
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