The NBA trade deadline week delivers the next big bang. The Dallas Mavericks and the Washington Wizards have agreed on a mega deal that sees Anthony Davis change teams.
According to ESPN, the Mavs are sending the ten-time All-Star to the US capital along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum. In return, Dallas will receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, and an extensive draft package. This includes a 2026 first-round pick (Oklahoma City Thunder), a protected 2030 first-round pick (Golden State Warriors), and second-round picks in 2026 (Phoenix Suns), 2027 (Chicago Bulls), and 2029 (Houston Rockets).
Dallas Mavericks: All contracts and salaries at a glance
For Washington, the deal sends a clear signal: the complete rebuild phase is over. With Davis, the Wizards are bringing a future Hall of Famer and one of the top 75 players in NBA history to the team. He is expected to form the new sporting axis alongside Trae Young and lead a young core team with Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Bilal Coulibaly. Following the earlier trades of Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma, Washington has now converted these assets into established stars and additional picks.
Dallas focuses on the future and flexibility
The Mavericks, on the other hand, are taking a different approach. With Davis’ departure, they are opening up considerable financial leeway and accumulating long-term assets. The clear roadmap: the roster is to be built around Cooper Flagg for the long term. Middleton brings experience and competitiveness in the short term, while the picks give Dallas additional options for upcoming drafts or further trades.
This trade is one of the biggest moves of the season and is likely to have an immediate impact on the rest of the deadline. Washington is positioning itself for the next step with a star duo, while Dallas is focusing on flexibility and securing its future.
