Anthony Davis has proven since entering the league that he's one of the best players in the league, and when he's healthy, there's an argument that he is the best two-way star in the NBA.
Over the last few years, though, the big man's struggled to find the loyalty that his skillset typically offers top playmakers at this level.
At first, Davis didn't seem extremely fond of the idea of sticking around a rebuilding situation, listing his desire to contend on numerous occasions.
As the offseason has gone on, though, the Wizards' actions have spoken loudly, with the extension of Trae Young, selection of AJ Dybantsa, depth pickup of Deandre Ayton, and signing of Khris Middleton to bolster the team's revamped depth chart.
Of the moves above, arguably the most telling part of the offseason up to this point is the fact that general manager Will Dawkins has made it clear that the team has no desire to trade Anthony Davis, offering him the one thing the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks failed to.
Wizards have shown more loyalty to AD in less time than Lakers & Mavs
Davis helped lead the Lakers to their first NBA Championship in 2020, for the first time since 2010, solidifying his Hall of Fame resume, while stamping his name in franchise history.
In the blink of an eye, though, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers traded the star big man in an unexpected move overnight, without talking to AD or his represenatives.
Obviously, the decision to trade Davis led to LA landing a generational talent in Luka Doncic in the midst of his prime, but the lack of respect to make such a drastic change out of the blue proved just how much of a business the NBA really is.
Fast forward to AD's time with the Dallas Mavericks, the organization failed to offer him the respect he deserved.
The Mavericks' fanbase was upset and understandably so, booed the star in his debut for the team, and after an injury-riddled stretch, Dallas quickly opted to trade Davis just one season after acquiring him.
Dallas didn't just trade him, but they also ignored his desire to remain with the Mavs and moved him to a team that was never even discussed with his camp.
For the Wizards, the Mavericks' lack of respect led them to acquire an All-NBA talent for a package that looks terrible as of now, but it may have been the best-case scenario for all parties involved.
Washington has made it clear to Davis and his camp how highly they view him. The Wizards would like to get an extension done with the former top pick this offseason, and their decision to continuously shut down trade interest is showing more commitment to AD than both the Lakers and Mavs did in recent years.
Of course, Davis spent six years with the Lakers before being moved, but with the lack of transparency about the situation, especially on top of reports that LA and the Boston Celtics had discussions on a potential deal the offseason before, it suggests a lack of respect.
The Mavs' botched decision-making throughout the entire process speaks for itself.
Regardless, it's clear that the Wizards have high hopes for Davis, and for the star forward to finally find a team that's making it clear they want him there for the long haul, he could be set up for a massive bounce-back season.
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