The Washington Wizards traded two second-round draft picks to land Deandre Ayton, which lets Anthony Davis play power forward full-time. AD has talked about preferring to play the four and wanting a center next to him for years. He wants to save his body and avoid the physical demand of playing in the paint. The Wizards now have Alex Sarr and Ayton to take the 48 minutes at center, so Davis can be in his preferred spot.
Wizards fans have heard the AD trade rumors. The door is open to make a move after acquiring Ayton, but the front office wants to keep the ten-time All-Star. It is understandable. Washington traded for Trae Young and gave him a massive extension. They clearly want to compete, and the NBA’s lottery reform gives them no reason to tank.
Health has been a massive issue for Davis in recent years. Letting him play the four and avoid the bruising in the paint should help. The Wizards are committed to AD and clearly made this trade to grant his longtime wish.
Anthony Davis is a power forward for the Wizards
AD has appeared in just 279 games over the last six years. That is just 46.5 per season, which is not enough to justify his max contract. In that time, he has played 81 percent of his minutes at center. It isn’t working, so the Wizards are giving him the shot to play his preferred position.
There are issues with playing Davis at the four. He creates his biggest advantage with his defense, which is less impactful when he is primarily on the perimeter. AD is a career 29.5 percent 3-point shooter. His lack of spacing and lesser defensive impact make the five his best position.
The Wizards have to keep Davis happy if they plan on retaining him. He didn’t ask to be traded to the nation’s capital. Washington bought low as the Mavericks looked to completely move on from the disastrous Luka Doncic trade. AD has a player option for the 2027-28 season. Even if he opts in, Davis will be unrestricted in 2028 if a new deal isn't struck. Letting him play the four when everyone is healthy is a great start in making the superstar happy.
There was some surprise when the Wizards gave up Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks for Ayton. Most assumed the big man’s only value was his expiring contract. Washington clearly thought otherwise. The Lakers were ecstatic to pick up two second-round picks, and the Wizards got a big man to let AD slide down to the four.
Davis only played 20 games last season, but he still put up All-Star numbers. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 31.2 minutes per game. The Mavericks traded him before the deadline, but AD never suited up for the Wizards. Washington wisely held him out and has now granted his wish to say thanks.
The Washington Wizards traded for Deandre Ayton, so Anthony Davis can play power forward. It is their best shot to keep the future Hall of Famer healthy and maximize his impact. AD is still a star when he plays. The Wizards hope he appears in 65 games and helps them turn their fortunes around. Only time will tell, but Washington is trying to keep him happy. That is a start.
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