The Washington Wizards have an Anthony Davis extension decision to make starting on Aug. 6. They acquired the future Hall of Famer at the trade deadline, but AD missed the remainder of the season. He is eligible for a four-year, $275 million max contract starting on Thursday. The Wizards can’t afford to delay the decision. Davis has a $62.7 million player option for the 2027-28 season and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
This isn’t an easy decision. Washington gave Trae Young a massive contract, so AD will be expecting one. Davis still produces elite numbers when he’s on the floor, but he played just 20 games last season. His injury history is a problem, and the 33-year-old knows this is likely his last chance to cash in on a massive payday.
Every dollar counts in the second apron era, and their roster will get expensive quickly. Washington has two years before Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and Bub Carrington will all be off their rookie contracts. Paying all of them will get expensive, especially if Young and AD are on massive numbers. The Wizards have to figure it out.
Wizards have a massive Anthony Davis extension decision to make
Washington would love for AD to accept a discount like Victor Wembanyama did for the Spurs. That is the ideal scenario. There was trade interest this summer, but the Wizards turned away suitors. They clearly value the ten-time All-Star and want to contend. The question is how much are they going to have to pay Davis deep into his 30s?
Michael Winger and the front office created this dilemma for the franchise. They bought low on Young and AD last season. They had no qualms agreeing to a four-year, $212.8 million contract with Ice Trae. It was a massive overpay, but it was the price of keeping the point guard in the nation’s capital.
Davis can depart next summer if he chooses. The superstar has the leverage in these negotiations, which likely means Washington will have to give him a massive contract to keep him. AD’s agent Rich Paul is known for getting his clients paid. This will be another chance for Paul to prove his worth, especially given AD’s injury history.
This decision has massive implications next season. Washington is only $29.5 million below the tax with 11 players under contract if fans include AD’s player option. Coulibaly needs a new contract, and the Wizards' financial flexibility will be all but gone. It is why they’d love to get Davis’ number down slightly and adds more importance to this decision.
The Washington Wizards haven’t even seen Anthony Davis play a game in their uniform, and they are already having to decide on an extension. AD is an all-time great and still putting up monster numbers. It will be a massive payday, but Washington can’t give him the max.
They need to work out a new deal to keep him in the nation’s capital. It won’t be easy, but the Wizards need Davis to accept a discount. Every dollar matters, so fans should be watching closely to see how this all plays out.
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