In a surprising development, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal, finalized recently, includes Davis joining the Wizards along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, while the Mavericks receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round draft picks, and three second-rounders.
This blockbuster trade signals a shift in the Mavericks’ strategy as they embrace a rebuild phase rather than pushing for a playoff run. Dallas has struggled through much of the current season, holding a 19-31 record and ranking 12th in the Western Conference. Rookie Cooper Flagg has been a notable performer amid the team’s inconsistency.
Anthony Davis’ Short Tenure in Dallas and Performance Overview
Davis’ time with the Mavericks was brief, totaling only 29 games. Within the 2025-26 season, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 20 appearances. Though productive, his performance did not meet spectacular standards, and the franchise opted to move forward with a different roster composition.
Washington Wizards’ Continued Aggressive Moves
This trade marks the Wizards’ second major acquisition this season. Last month, they acquired four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, sending veteran guard C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta. Young had been with the Hawks since the 2018 NBA Draft, playing 493 games and averaging 25.2 points and 9.8 assists before this move.
Despite his high output, Young’s season was limited by leg injuries, participating in just 10 games and averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists. His contract was nearing its end, making a change in scenery to Washington expected and official as of Wednesday night.
Trae Young’s Impact and Atlanta Hawks Career Recap
Young’s career peaked during the 2020-21 season when he led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in nearly a decade. Although Atlanta fell to Milwaukee in six games, the team’s future appeared promising. However, since that playoff run, the Hawks have only reached the postseason twice and experienced early exits both times, resulting in a 178-189 overall record since the 2021 Conference Finals loss.
Implications and Future Outlook for Both Teams
The Mavericks’ acquisition of multiple draft picks and promising young players indicates a commitment to rebuilding their roster around a fresh core, which could reshape their competitiveness over time. Meanwhile, the Wizards, having obtained both Davis and Young, are positioning themselves to strengthen their lineup for a potential playoff push after years of fluctuating success.
With these considerable moves, observers will be closely watching how the Dallas Mavericks trade blockbusters impact the dynamics of the NBA landscape in the coming seasons, as both franchises adjust their strategies and integrate new talent.
“The move was officially made Wednesday night.” ?Shams Charania, ESPN Insider
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sfrQQubI5i
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
