The Washington Wizards completed one of the biggest deals of the season Wednesday, February 4, acquiring 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in a massive multi-player and multi-pick trade, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Charania reported, “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.”
The trade signals a major shift for both franchises as Washington sits 13–36, 14th in the Eastern Conference, while Dallas holds a 19–31 record and ranks 12th in the Western standings. The Wizards add a proven interior presence, while the Mavericks pivot toward draft capital and roster flexibility.
Davis arrives in Washington averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 31.3 minutes across 20 games this season. His rim protection and rebounding immediately address a roster that has relied heavily on 20-year-old center Alex Sarr for interior defense and scoring.
From a basketball standpoint, the Wizards gain a high-usage frontcourt anchor who can operate as a pick-and-roll finisher alongside Trae Young. Washington averages 112.1 points per game, but ranks near the bottom of the East, and adding a two-way big provides structure in half-court sets.
The deal also brings additional backcourt depth to Washington with D’Angelo Russell, who has averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists this season, along with guard Jaden Hardy and veteran Dante Exum.
Dallas, meanwhile, receives Khris Middleton and several young pieces, along with future draft assets that include a 2026 Oklahoma City Thunder first-round pick and a 2030 protected Golden State Warriors first-round selection. The Mavericks have struggled defensively and sit outside the playoff picture, and the trade reflects a long-term recalibration around emerging players such as Cooper Flagg.
The outgoing package from Washington includes Bagley III, who averaged 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds, plus young guards AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham. Moving those contracts clears rotation minutes while shifting the franchise toward a more defined frontcourt hierarchy.
