Mavericks Ship Anthony Davis to Wizards in Massive Nine-Player Trade Deadline Blockbuster

The Dallas Mavericks have traded ten-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a massive nine-player, three-team deal that also involves the Charlotte Hornets, marking one of the most significant transactions of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The Mavericks sent Davis along with guards Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round draft picks, and three second-round selections. The trade represents a seismic shift in Dallas's franchise direction, as they commit fully to building around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, the number one overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. By moving Davis's maximum-salary contract, which will pay him $58.5 million in 2026-27 with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, the Mavericks gain significant financial flexibility and clear frontcourt minutes for Flagg's development. Team governor Patrick Dumont has been aggressive in reshaping the roster since firing former general manager Nico Harrison in early November, a decision made largely due to fan backlash over last year's controversial trade of perennial MVP contender Luka Dončić to the Lakers. For Washington, acquiring Davis represents a bold gamble on contending immediately rather than committing to a full rebuild. A healthy Anthony Davis paired with elite scorer Trae Young and the Wizards' young core could transform Washington from a lottery team into a playoff contender in the weak Eastern Conference. However, Davis's injury history remains a concern, and the Wizards are betting that his elite two-way production will outweigh the risks associated with his maximum contract and age. The financial implications of the deal heavily favor Dallas in the long term. Beyond shedding Davis's massive contract, the Mavericks also removed Hardy's $6 million guaranteed salary and Russell's $6 million player option for 2026-27 from their books. This flexibility positions Dallas to be major players in future free agency periods while surrounding Flagg with young, cost-controlled talent. The haul of draft picks also gives Dallas ammunition to either select additional prospects or package picks for future trades. Analysts have questioned the decision-making on both sides, with some suggesting the Mavericks gave up too much talent too quickly while others argue Washington is mortgaging their future for a player whose best years may be behind him. The Wizards' front office believes that Davis's defensive versatility and ability to score from all three levels makes him the perfect complement to Young's offensive brilliance, creating a dynamic inside-out pairing that could trouble elite Eastern Conference opponents. The trade also includes Charlotte as a facilitating third team, helping to balance the salaries and distribute players across the three franchises. Dallas now enters a clear rebuilding phase centered on Flagg's development, while Washington has signaled their intent to compete immediately by surrounding Young with established veteran talent. How this massive trade affects both franchises' trajectories won't be clear for months, but it undeniably represents one of the most significant deadline deals in recent NBA history.