The Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Hornets 95-79 in their first game of the 2026 NBA Cup behind a monster 25-point double-double from Anthony Davis. Washington bought low on the ten-time All-Star at February’s trade deadline. AD sat out the rest of the season, but he looks like a superstar in his first six games with the Wizards.
Washington didn’t pay a superstar price for Davis. They gave up two first-round picks and three second-rounders in the blockbuster trade, but it wasn’t what it seemed. The 2026 first-round pick was the 30th overall selection. The Wizards also sent a 2030 first from Golden State that is top-20 protected. If it falls in the top 20, the team holding it gets a 2030 second-rounder.
It wasn’t just against the Hornets in Friday’s NBA Cup opener. AD is averaging 22.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block in 33.3 minutes of action. He hasn’t missed a game and has led the Wizards to a 3-3 start for the first time since 2023. The Wizards got an absolute bargain.
Wizards got Anthony Davis at a discount
The Mavericks were eager to move on from AD after acquiring him as the marquee asset in the Luka Doncic trade. Dallas wanted to be done with that regrettable trade and build around Cooper Flagg. The Wizards took advantage of the Mavs selling low on an injured player. Fans can see the full details of the trade below.
Wizards received: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, Dante Exum
Mavericks acquired: Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, Tyus Jones, 2 1st-round picks, 3 2nd-round picks
The Wizards struggle to get superstar talent. Davis is their best player since John Wall. He is an All-NBA level player when healthy. Davis made the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team and is a future Hall of Famer.
Washington flipped Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks to acquire Deandre Ayton. The former number one overall pick has settled in as a strong backup big man to give the Wizards even more value from this trade.
Russell was traded in a six-team deal to get Khris Middleton back to the nation’s capital in the 2026 offseason.
The Mavericks traded up from the 30th pick to get Sergio de Larrea with the 25th selection, which cost Dallas two more second-rounders. They took Tobi Lawal with the 48th pick in the second round in other choice acquired in the AD trade.
That isn’t a superstar return. The Celtics got Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-rounders for Jaylen Brown. That was viewed as a steal, and Boston’s firsts weren’t the 30th pick and a likely second-rounder. They were potential lottery picks.
Washington bought low on Anthony Davis, and the superstar is leaving no doubt.
Anthony Davis is making an impact on both ends
Davis is averaging 22.3 points per game, despite shooting well below his career 52.2 field goal percentage. He is making one 3-pointers per game for the first time since 2020. Washington is letting him play plenty of power forward. That isn’t his best position, but AD is still dominating.
Davis is still an elite defender. He is a game-changer on this end of the floor. The Wizards are a young squad who finished last in defensive rating a year ago. They are 7.3 points per 100 possessions better on that end of the floor coming into the win over Charlotte on Friday night, where the Wizards allowed just 79 points.
Fans have seen what Davis can do in the first six games. He can get buckets inside, draw fouls, and be lights out in the mid-range. On the other end, AD protects the rim, rebounds, and can guard multiple positions. He is the type of player that changes a franchise's trajectory, which makes Washington’s decision on his future even more complicated.
Wizards need to extend Anthony Davis ASAP
Davis is in the final guaranteed year of his contract. He has a $62.7 million player option for the 2027-28 season. Washington can’t let AD get to the offseason without a new deal. They don’t want to lose the future Hall of Famer with zero return in free agency.
Davis keeps proving he is worth a massive new contract. The 33-year-old has a lengthy injury history. Signing him long-term is risky, but the Wizards don’t get a talent like this often. AD is happy and helping the Wizards win. They need to keep him.
This trade will look even more lopsided in Washington’s favor if Davis stays long-term and helps turn the Wizards into a contender. They are 3-3 after six games, and AJ Dybantsa is only getting better from here. This could quickly become a dangerous squad.
The Washington Wizards got Anthony Davis for an absolute steal. He is putting up superstar numbers and getting the Wizards back into contention. They wisely bought low on an injured big man. Davis is helping them reap the rewards. The Wizards need to extend him and make this a long-term fit. AD is special, and this team should keep improving.
Credit to the front office for the bold trade. It is paying off.
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