The Washington Wizards traded for Anthony Davis at the deadline, and the deal keeps looking better as the prices on the center market explode. The Clippers were forced to forfeit a 2029 first-round draft pick from the Pacers in the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention case. Indiana already gave up the fifth pick in 2026 to get Ivica Zubac and still owes a second-rounder in 2028, plus this 2029 choice they can no longer recover if things go south. That is a hefty price for a starting center who's never been a star. The Zubac trade is far from the only one making the AD deal look like a steal.
The Wizards gave up four players, two first-round draft picks, and three second-rounders to acquire Davis. That sounds like a massive haul until fans get into the specifics. They gave up the 30th and 48th picks in the 2026 draft, and the Warriors' first-rounder in the deal in 2030 is top-20 protected. Most likely, Dallas nets three more second-round selections and a partial season from four players the Mavericks didn’t desire.
The Zubac trade was one of several big swings on big men dating back to the 2025 offseason. The Lakers just gave up two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round swaps to get Walker Kessler, along with giving him a $130 million contract. The Suns paid two firsts for Mark Williams. Utah parted with three firsts to get Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Grizzlies. AD is the best player of that group and came at arguably the lowest cost.
Wizards trade for Anthony Davis keeps looking better
Davis still hasn’t played a game for Washington. He suffered a season-ending injury with the Mavericks, but is healthy now. Problems are already arising about his long-term fit after the two sides passed on extending his contract. AD can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. The Wizards refused to trade him, so they clearly believe there is a future. It is all about finding the right long-term pact.
Still, the Wizards got one of the best two-way big men in the NBA for two late first-round picks and three second-rounders in the best-case scenario for Dallas. The Pacers gave up the fifth overall pick and an unprotected first for Zubac. Acquiring Kessler could be a massive blow for the Lakers, especially in the new lottery system. The Jazz went in for JJJ as they look to contend. Even Mark Williams netted Charlotte two firsts, despite being a fringe starting center.
AD is still elite. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 31.3 minutes per game last season. The 33-year-old has a significant injury history, but no team is getting a star center for two late firsts and a couple of seconds. Even the 76ers paid significantly more for Jaylen Brown in a return that was questioned by many.
Wizards should get the best out of Anthony Davis
Not extending AD puts the pressure on the ten-time All-Star to perform. Davis wants another massive contract and knows this could be his final long-term max deal as he approaches his mid-30s. Davis is set to make $58.4 million this season and has a $62.7 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign. If he wants a long-term contract, AD has to stay healthy and prove he is still a superstar to start this season.
The Wizards can let things play out. They can extend or trade AD for more than they paid if he is playing well at the deadline. If things go south, Washington will have a massive expiring contract on their books next summer or can move on completely. Davis faces the pressure to shine, and the Wiz will benefit.
The Washington Wizards trade for Anthony Davis just keeps looking better. They bought low on one of the most talented big men in the NBA. AD faces a prove-it season and should be at the top of his game as he looks for a massive payday.
Consider this a win-win-win trade for Washington, no matter how the contract saga plays out with Davis. The center market keeps getting more expensive, but the Wizards somehow stole AD for the 30th pick and likely a handful of second-rounders. It doesn’t seem possible, but credit to Washington’s front office for nailing this one.
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