Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards in Stunning Reversal One Year After Dončić Deal

The Dallas Mavericks pulled the trigger on a franchise-altering trade at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, sending 10-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in an eight-player blockbuster deal that signals a complete reset just over a year after the controversial trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks received forwards Khris Middleton and Marvin Bagley III, guards AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham, plus a 2026 first-round pick from Oklahoma City, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick from Golden State, and three second-round picks in the massive transaction. Washington sent Davis, guards Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to complete the deal. The move represents a stunning reversal of fortune for Dallas, which acquired Davis last year in the middle-of-the-night blockbuster orchestrated by former general manager Nico Harrison that sent franchise cornerstone Dončić to Los Angeles. That trade infuriated Mavericks fans and ownership, ultimately leading to Harrison's firing in November after the team struggled to build chemistry around Davis. The 31-year-old forward has been sidelined since mid-January with a torn ligament in his left hand, adding injury concerns to an already tumultuous situation. Davis averaged 24.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 38 games for Dallas this season before the injury derailed his campaign. For Washington, the aggressive move pairs Davis with star point guard Trae Young, whom the Wizards acquired in a blockbuster trade last month from the Atlanta Hawks. General manager Will Dawkins is betting that the Young-Davis pick-and-roll combination can form the nucleus of a contending team when surrounded by the Wizards' promising young core. That core includes 7-foot center Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft who has shown flashes of defensive dominance, and rookie guard Tre Johnson, who has impressed with his scoring ability. The Wizards also feature developing talents like Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coubialy who could benefit from playing alongside established stars. The trade deadline was filled with movement across the NBA, as the Memphis Grizzlies held onto star guard Ja Morant despite trade speculation, and the Milwaukee Bucks resisted offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Los Angeles Clippers dealt center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for draft compensation, while the Chicago Bulls shipped guard Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Utah Jazz and other rebuilding teams made moves to stockpile future assets, setting up what could be a transformative offseason for multiple franchises looking to reshape their rosters. Dallas now faces the challenge of rebuilding around the veteran leadership of Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star and 2021 NBA champion who brings playoff experience and two-way versatility. The 34-year-old Middleton has battled injuries in recent seasons but remains a capable scorer and playmaker when healthy. The Mavericks also gained young prospects in Johnson and Branham who could develop into rotation pieces, plus valuable draft capital to continue reshaping the roster. Owner Mark Cuban, who has faced intense criticism for the franchise's direction since the Dončić trade, will be under immense pressure to get this rebuild right. The Wizards' front office believes that once Davis returns to full health, the combination of his defensive prowess and interior scoring alongside Young's elite playmaking will position Washington as a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. However, questions remain about Davis's durability given his injury history throughout his career and whether the veteran stars can mesh with the Wizards' young core. The franchise hasn't reached the playoffs since 2021 and is desperate to return to relevance in a competitive Eastern Conference. The success or failure of this bold gamble will likely define the Wizards' trajectory for the next half-decade.