Anthony Davis has been eligible to sign an extension (up to $275 million across four years) with the Washington Wizards since the beginning of August, but, as Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported, the team chose to hold off on talks of a new deal until after the season starts (subscription required). Based on what AD said on Monday at media day, though, he wants to wait longer than that, as in, the offseason.
“When the season is over. I’m going to go through the season, and kind of do what I do at a high level, and then, when it’s over, you know, sit down and have those key conversations again with the front office.”
He has a $62.8 million player option that he could decline next summer to become an unrestricted free agent, an outcome the Wizards want to avoid. Waiting until the season is over to discuss a new deal would put AD in a position to do that.
So what can Washington do?
Trade him before the Feb. 11 deadline, or, if Davis changes his mind on waiting until the offseason and Washington wants to keep him around, the two sides could agree to a new deal before the end of the season.
What the Wizards can't do is wait because that would jeopardize their future. After giving up assets for him this past year, they should at least want to recoup some value in return, rather than let him test the waters and leave them with nothing.
February needs to be the deadline to decide Davis' future
Davis knew going into media day that his future would be a main topic of discussion, and he still doesn't know what will happen. Understandably, he said he wants to wait until the season ends, whether because that's what he actually wants to do or because he doesn't want it to be something he's repeatedly asked about. He can refer back to his answer on Monday when he is inevitably asked about it again.
At this stage in his career, AD wants to play for a contender. As he said after the Wizards acquired him before last year's deadline, he wanted to see what moves the front office made over the summer and whether they could turn the team into a "true contender" over the next couple of years.
Washington is on the right track, but in terms of competing for a title this season, it's not there yet. The Wizards could finish in the play-in tournament range, which would be an improvement, but that may not be enough for Davis' future.
By February, Davis should have a clear idea of where Washington stands with its new-look roster, and the Wizards should know whether it's worth investing in him long term. That's not a discussion that should wait seven months, not with his contract status.
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