The Washington Wizards didn’t extend Anthony Davis, but the uncertainty about his future isn’t impacting the superstar’s effort and production. He rolled his ankle in the first quarter against the Hawks, but stayed in the game. AD did go back to the locker room in the third quarter, but it didn’t stop him. The superstar finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in 30 minutes of action. He made 12 of his 19 field goals, and the Wizards won his minutes by three in a 15-point loss.
Davis said on media day he doesn’t want to discuss an extension until after this season. The 33-year-old can be an unrestricted free agent in the summer if he declines a $62.7 million player option. Washington gave up five draft picks, including two first-rounders, to acquire him. They don’t want to let Davis walk with zero return.
AD wants a massive contract, but is reportedly willing to discuss less than the max. Nobody knew if the future Hall of Famer would be happy and bought in without a long-term deal. Davis didn’t ask to be traded to the Wizards, but that doesn’t matter. He fought through an injury and was still all over the floor against the Hawks on Wednesday night.
Anthony Davis is playing like a superstar
AD fighting through an ankle injury without a long-term contract speaks volumes. He has been Washington’s best player all season. He is averaging 23.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 33.0 minutes per game. Davis is a force on both ends of the floor and still a superstar.
The ten-time All-Star has a lengthy injury history, but he has been elite whenever the big man has been healthy enough to suit up. Davis ended up in Washington because Nico Harrison wanted him over Luka Doncic. The Mavericks traded AD to the Wizards after firing Harrison because they knew their fans would never fully embrace Davis as their superstar.
It was Washington’s gain. They haven’t extended him, but it doesn’t matter. He is playing elite basketball and embracing his role as a leader of this young squad.
Anthony Davis is the leader the young Wizards need
Trading for Trae Young and Davis was a shot to buy low on two stars and add talent to their roster. More importantly, the Wizards took the chance to add veterans to help their young talent blossom. Alex Sarr can learn from AD about what it takes to become a superstar.
Davis instantly embraced a leadership role with the Wizards. He has challenged his young talent and encouraged them to help raise his game. It started all the way back in training camp.
Anthony Davis says the Wizards young players haven’t been afraid to challenge him and hold him accountable.
— Ben Strober (@strobersports) October 20, 2026
He said on one occasion Tre Johnson told him after practice “you weren’t top 75 today.” pic.twitter.com/CnzCJVK3fT
The rebuild is over in the nation’s capital. The Wizards want to make the playoffs, and AD is eager to chase another championship. He is instilling winning habits in the youngsters along with putting up monster numbers.
The Wizards eagerly traded for Davis. They got a superstar and leader with championship experience. Now, they must decide how long this partnership will last.
Wizards need to decide if Anthony Davis is a long-term fit
AD will decline his player option and land a long-term deal in the offseason. He keeps proving he is still a superstar. Davis knows he is auditioning for a new contract. The 6’10 big man has every reason to be bought in and playing his best basketball. There are literally millions of dollars on the line.
The Wizards aren’t playing AD at his best position, but he continues to thrive. He is the team’s best scorer, rebounder, and rim protector. Washington needs Davis if they want to make the playoffs, but they should trade him before the Feb. 11 deadline if a new contract isn’t reached.
AD is giving Washington every reason to extend him. The ten-time All-Star has led a young team to a 4-4 record after eight games. The Wizards won 18 or fewer games for three straight years. They don’t get a superstar talent like this often, so Washington should extend him.
Anyone questioning Anthony Davis’ buy-in on the Washington Wizards has their answer. The big man is putting up numbers and is eager to be the leader this franchise needs. The two sides must sort out the future, but AD is already making this group a playoff contender. That is exactly why the Wizards front office traded for him, so consider this a win.
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