Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards in Blockbuster 8-Player Deal,
Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards in Blockbuster 8-Player Deal, Capping Luka Dončić Trade Fallout

The Dallas Mavericks agreed to trade 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in an eight-player blockbuster that ends Davis' brief and injury-plagued tenure in Dallas just 367 days after he arrived as the centerpiece of the stunning Luka Dončić deal.

The Mavericks will send Davis, guards Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to Washington. In return, Dallas receives forward Khris Middleton, guards AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham, forward Marvin Bagley III, two future first-round picks and three second-round picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

The trade, confirmed by multiple outlets including NBA.com and The Athletic, comes amid the 2026 NBA trade deadline frenzy and represents a rapid pivot for Dallas after last year's seismic swap that sent Dončić — a perennial MVP candidate — to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis and a future first-round pick. Davis appeared in only 29 games for the Mavericks, averaging 20.2 points, 11 rebounds and 3.3 assists while battling recurring injuries, including a recent hand issue that sidelined him for much of January and February.

The move allows Dallas to reset around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and young talent, gaining draft capital and veteran scoring in Middleton. Washington, meanwhile, pairs Davis with recent acquisition Trae Young in a bid to accelerate its rebuild into contention.

Trade Details and Context

Dallas receives:

  • Khris Middleton
  • AJ Johnson
  • Malaki Branham
  • Marvin Bagley III
  • 2026 first-round pick (Oklahoma City, likely mid-lottery)
  • 2030 first-round pick (Golden State, top-20 protected; converts to second if not conveyed)
  • Second-round picks: 2026 (Phoenix), 2027 (Chicago), 2029 (Houston)

Washington receives:

  • Anthony Davis
  • Jaden Hardy
  • D'Angelo Russell
  • Dante Exum

The deal reflects Dallas' frustration with Davis' availability and fit alongside emerging pieces. Acquired in the Feb. 1, 2025, Dončić trade that stunned the league, Davis missed significant time due to injuries, limiting the Mavericks' ability to contend. His hand ligament damage in early January prompted trade discussions, with initial suitors like Atlanta and Toronto backing off.

Instead, the Wizards — aggressive under president Michael Winger after landing Young — swooped in, offering a package heavy on youth, veterans and picks. The move signals Washington's intent to build a competitive core around Young and Davis, potentially fast-tracking extension talks with Young, who holds a player option for 2026-27.

Winners and Losers

Analysts offered mixed grades. For Dallas, the trade provides flexibility and assets to surround Flagg, but critics called it a "loser" outcome from the Dončić swap. CBS Sports noted the return "ages the Luka deal even worse," with Dallas now holding Middleton (a proven playoff performer) but losing a generational big man after one partial season. The Mavericks gain cap relief and draft ammunition, but the short Davis stint underscores the risks of blockbuster moves.

Washington emerges as a clear winner in many eyes. Acquiring Davis — a defensive anchor and elite scorer when healthy — bolsters a roster already bolstered by Young. The cost (four players and five picks) appears reasonable for a team with cap space and rebuilding momentum. Yahoo Sports called it a "distressed asset" grab, praising Winger's aggressive approach.

The trade deadline context amplified shock value. Hours earlier, reports swirled of Dallas-Raptors talks, but no deal materialized. The Wizards' entry caught observers off guard, with some labeling it a "stunner" given Washington's recent tanking reputation.

Davis' Dallas Tenure

Davis joined Dallas amid massive hype as the defensive counterpart to Dončić's offense. Yet injuries — including the hand issue requiring extended absence — limited impact. In 29 games, he posted solid numbers but couldn't elevate the team to contender status. The trade ends a painful chapter for Mavericks fans still reeling from losing Dončić.

For Davis, 32, the move offers a fresh start in Washington, a rebuilding market with less immediate pressure. His health remains key; recurring issues have defined recent seasons.

Broader Implications

The deal ripples across the league. Dallas gains Middleton's veteran leadership and shooting, plus young upside in Johnson and Branham, while picks enhance future flexibility. Washington adds a star big to pair with Young, potentially shifting Eastern Conference dynamics if both stay healthy.

NBA observers debated the timing and value. Some praised Dallas for cutting losses; others questioned why a contending team would move on so quickly. The Wizards' willingness to absorb salary and picks underscores their aggressive timeline.

As the Feb. 5 deadline approaches, more moves loom. The Davis trade — capping one of the most dramatic player movement eras — reminds fans of the NBA's unpredictability.