As the 2026 NBA season rapidly approaches, Washington Wizards fans likely aren't dreading the trade deadline the way they did throughout the previous three seasons.
Last year's deadline was fruitful, as it became Washington's means of acquiring talent the organization hopes can elevate the team this season. Anthony Davis was dealt to the Wizards in what was a stunning move at the time.
In the trade , the Wizards received Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum. Washington didn't give up much in return, sending out the expiring contracts of Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, A.J. Johnson, and Malaki Branham, along with Oklahoma City's 2026 first-round pick, a top-20-protected 2030 first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors, and three second-round picks.
Davis could be a major reason the Wizards return to Eastern Conference relevance, but he also might be the team's most likely asset to be moved at the trade deadline.
Such a move could make plenty of sense for Washington. Davis should be extremely helpful as the Wizards attempt to transform their defense. However, questions remain about his long-term future with the organization.
The Wizards and Davis elected to enter the regular season without negotiating a new long-term deal. He is set to make $58 million this season and has a $62 million player option for the 2027 season. A significant portion of Washington's season could be spent determining whether Davis fits its timeline for competing for an NBA championship.
If he struggles to stay healthy or Washington is unwilling to offer him another long-term contract, both sides could choose to move in different directions at the deadline. The Wizards acquired Davis for pennies on the dollar, and despite plenty of rumors about a possible trade this summer, his perceived value remained low.
However, if Washington can keep him relatively healthy and he produces the way he has over the last several seasons when on the floor, another contender could come calling with an offer greater than what the Wizards originally gave up.
There are two ways to look at the situation. Davis may help transform Washington into one of the more respectable teams in the Eastern Conference this season. But if his goal is still to compete for an immediate championship, a deadline trade could become a mutually beneficial outcome.
The Wizards made their intentions clear this summer: They planned to have Davis play for the team and were not going to trade him. They have remained true to their word so far, but the deadline could change their thinking if a sizable return is offered.
Washington has continuously preached the importance of building sustainable success and accumulating assets whenever possible. If a long-term contract with Davis isn't in the team's plans, moving him to the highest bidder at the deadline could be the best decision for the Wizards' future—even if it means sacrificing some of their potential this season.
If Washington plays extremely well before the deadline and finds itself firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, deciding whether to trade Davis could become polarizing. If the Wizards are holding a playoff spot, Davis will likely be a major reason why. Moving him would obviously change the trajectory of their season.
Still, if the return positions Washington to compete for years through the addition of young talent and draft capital, the short-term sacrifice may be worthwhile.
Regardless, Davis has played only 71 games across the last two seasons, making this an important year for him to demonstrate that, at 33 years old, he is still capable of producing at a high level and contributing to a winning team. The Wizards' young core should be excited to have him in the building as he helps guide them through this stepping-stone season.
