The NBA shook up the trade market Wednesday as the Dallas Mavericks agreed to send 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a high-profile, eight-player deal that also sees Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum heading to Washington. In return, Dallas receives Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III and a package of five draft picks, including two first-rounders and three second-rounders.
The trade, first reported by Shams Charania on X/Twitter, comes as the NBA trade deadline approaches Thursday at 3 p.m. Eastern. Both teams are looking to reshape their rosters in a move that could have long-term implications for the league.
After breaking the news of the deal, Charania later expanded on the specific picks the Mavs will receive in the Davis-led trade writing: “Dallas is receiving a 2026 Thunder first-round pick and a 2030 protected Warriors first-round pick in this deal from the Wizards along with second rounders in 2026 (Phoenix), 2027 (Chicago) and 2029 (Houston), sources tell ESPN.”
Davis’ impact in Dallas
While his future has long been up for debate, Anthony Davis has been sidelined since January 8 with a hand injury, playing only 20 of the Mavericks’ 50 games this season. While on the court, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Over 29 starts, Dallas went 16-13, highlighting Davis’ influence despite the team’s struggles.
Davis joined the Mavericks in a controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2025. Fan backlash from that deal contributed to the firing of general manager Nico Harrison later that year.
Middleton and veterans heading to Dallas
The Mavericks receive three notable veterans in return. Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star and 2021 NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 34 games this season. Marvin Bagley III also adds scoring and rebounding depth, averaging 10.1 points and 5.7 boards in 38 games, while D’Angelo Russell contributes 10.2 points and 4.0 assists in 26 games for Dallas.
With this trade, Dallas hopes to shake up a disappointing 19-31 season and climb the Western Conference standings, where they currently sit 12th. The Wizards, meanwhile, are also in rebuilding mode, holding a 13-36 record and tied for 14th in the Eastern Conference.
The Wizards, meanwhile, are banking on Anthony Davis to help turn their fortunes around. He joins Trae Young, the four-time All-Star acquired from the Atlanta Hawks earlier this month, who has yet to make his debut due to injuries. Together, Davis and Young could form a cornerstone duo to build around in Washington.
As the NBA trade deadline looms, both franchises hope this blockbuster will reshape their trajectories, giving Dallas new assets and Washington a proven superstar in Davis.
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