Anthony Davis is being traded once more, and this time, Luka Doncic isn’t coming back the other way.
The Dallas Mavericks have traded Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks and three second-round picks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday.
Among the most sought-after stars on the trade market, Davis’s primary concern is health, as he has averaged only 52 games over the previous five seasons.
When active, the six-foot-10 centre is one of the best defenders in the NBA while also boasting outstanding scoring ability. He’s averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks in 20 games this season.
Yet, Davis has played in less than half the Mavericks’ games this season. He was first sidelined due to a calf injury, sustained a minor groin strain, and has missed nearly a month due to a left-finger sprain.
The Wizards will be Davis’s fourth team through his 14-year career. He spent his first 13-and-a-half seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, averaging 24 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.3 blocks. A 10-time all-star, Davis has also earned five All-NBA and All-Defence selections apiece and won an NBA Championship with the Lakers in 2020.
Wednesday’s trade is the second blockbuster of the year for the Wizards, as they also acquired star point guard Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 7.
Young has not played since being acquired, as he’s been dealing with a sprained right knee and bruised quadriceps.
But the Wizards hope their new star duo of Young and Davis can help them get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
It probably won’t happen this year, however, as Washington sits 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 13-36 record.
