On Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks completed a trade sending Anthony Davis along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards. In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, Oklahoma City’s 2026 first-round pick, a top-20 protected Golden State Warriors first-round pick in 2030, and three second-round picks. This deal came just 25 hours before the NBA‘s 2026 trade deadline and is seen as a disappointing outcome following the Mavericks’ earlier blockbuster trade involving Luka Dončić.
Trade Returns Appear Underwhelming Compared to Expectations
The value of this trade package is under intense scrutiny. The Warriors’ future first-round pick comes with a top-20 protection, meaning if it falls within the top 20, it reverts to the Warriors’ second-rounder in 2030, significantly reducing its value. Analysts regard the returns as minimal, highlighting that the Mavericks essentially acquired a collection of mostly late first-round picks and role players rather than impactful stars. Over the past year, this has become a stark reflection of how far the trade fallout from Luka Dončić has devolved.
List of Key Mavericks Assets After One Year Without Dončić
One year after the departure of Luka Dončić, the Mavericks’ current assets from the trade include:
- Max Christie
- Khris Middleton
- AJ Johnson
- Malaki Branham
- Marvin Bagley III
- The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick
- The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2026 first-round pick
- The Golden State Warriors’ 2030 first-round pick (top-20 protected)
- The Phoenix Suns’ 2026 second-round pick
- The Chicago Bulls’ 2027 second-round pick
- The Houston Rockets’ 2029 second-round pick
Experts consider this collection to be largely inconsequential, with only a few of the picks having real potential value and much of the rest seen as filler. This is especially striking given the Mavericks’ previous expectations for Anthony Davis.
Davis’ Injury Troubles and Impact on Mavericks’ Plans
Anthony Davis’ time with the Mavericks was quickly marred by injuries, severely limiting his impact. In his debut game, Davis delivered 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 31 minutes, marking the first 20-point double-double debut in franchise history. However, he suffered an adductor strain that sidelined him for six weeks. By the time Davis returned, star guard Kyrie Irving had torn his ACL, effectively stalling the Mavericks’ ambitions.
Reflecting on What Might Have Been With a Healthy Trio
Despite the disastrous overall outcome, there remains some regret over what a healthy Mavericks lineup featuring Davis, Irving, and rising star Cooper Flagg could have achieved. Many fans and observers had hoped this core could establish an elite team, but injuries and personnel moves dashed that possibility. Still, the emergence of Cooper Flagg has been a rare bright spot, providing hope for the team’s future.
Mavericks Moving Forward After Letting Go of Davis
Ultimately, moving Anthony Davis was a necessary step for the Mavericks, as his prolonged injuries rendered his presence untenable. He has played only five games this season due to a calf strain and other setbacks, making any expectation of sustained health unrealistic. The Wizards, who acquired Davis, are reportedly willing to take that risk as they have little to lose, but from Dallas’ standpoint, the failed bet on Davis has finally concluded.
Legacy of the Luka Dončić Trade Fallout and What Lies Ahead
This trade marks the end of Dallas’ experiment with Davis, closing the chapter on a series of events following the Luka Dončić trade that has left the franchise in a fragile state. While the returns are paltry compared to what many expected, the Mavericks can now shift focus solely to developing their young talent, anchored by Cooper Flagg. Questions remain about the future of Kyrie Irving’s tenure with the team, as speculation grows about potential trades involving him next.
“I do have some sympathy for that. The idiocy of the trade notwithstanding, I have to admit I was curious to see what the healthy Mavericks could’ve been.”?Anonymous Sports Analyst
“Wherever Harrison is sitting right now, he has to be absolutely embarrassed that a guy he deemed to be better than Luka Dončić just got dumped to the Wizards.”?Insider Commentator
