Ex-Lakers Star Tabbed As Top Potential NBA Trade Candidate

Story by

Story by
Ex-Lakers Star Tabbed As Top Potential NBA Trade Candidate

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Intuit Dome on January 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Getty

Justin Grasso

Wed, September 2, 2026 at 4:45 PM UTC ·

4 min read

Anthony Davis' Trade Outlook

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

"Anthony Davis has a very big number he can opt into. It's over $60 million. I think his preference is to extend in Washington," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective this week.

"If not in Washington, he can get traded somewhere where he can extend. … The reality is this: Anthony Davis is in a position to be a free agent in 2027 if he wants to."

Windhorst's co-host, Tim McMahon, added this: "If we're talking about potential in-season trade candidates, he is number one on the list."

The 33-year-old has yet to play in a single game with the Wizards, but Davis' time there already feels like it's counting down. If the Wizards get off to an underwhelming start, Davis could force their hand.

It seems that a handful of NBA insiders are already signaling that will be the case.

Davis Since Leaving The Lakers

GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a lay up against Taj Gibson #67 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on January 27, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Life after the Lakers hasn't been so great for Davis, who was the headliner in the Luka Doncic deal.

He went to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024-2025 and appeared in just nine games down the stretch of the season.

After Davis went through his first full offseason with the Mavs, he appeared in only 20 games before going down with an injury and getting traded to the Mavs.

Last year, Davis averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. He shot 50.6% from the field and hit 27.0% from three.

In 2026-2027, Davis will collect $58.1 million from the initial three-year deal he signed in LA. There will be a $62.7 million player option waiting for him if he doesn't extend.

This article was originally published on HEAVY