When the Dallas Mavericks started discussing trades for Anthony Davis this season, his agent Rich Paul emphasized the need for an extension. However, the Mavericks traded Davis to the Washington Wizards without consulting him or his agent.
The Wizards acquired the 10-time All-Star for a deal mainly involving expiring contracts and low-value draft picks. While the Wizards might want to keep Davis long-term, it’s notable that Davis and Paul were unaware of the trade until it happened.
Wizards have salary-cap space, but for how long?
The Wizards have been rebuilding since trading Russell Westbrook in 2021. They have also traded Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, Daniel Gafford, and Rui Hachimura, aiming to gather as many draft picks as possible.
They now have significant salary-cap space, currently using it to pay Davis and Trae Young, whom they acquired in a similar situation. Both players have dealt with injuries this season but will cost a combined $107.4 million next season. Young has a player option worth $49 million for 2026-27, while Davis has a $62.8 million player option for the following year.
Both players can negotiate new contracts this summer, when Davis becomes eligible for an extension. Young is more likely to negotiate since he expressed interest in joining the Wizards before the trade. His player option gives him leverage to negotiate a lower salary for 2026-27 in exchange for more guaranteed years and money.
While the Wizards can afford these high salaries now, young players like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George will become costly by 2028, Tre Johnson in 2029, and a potential Cam Whitmore extension would take effect in 2027-28.
Anthony Davis and Rich Paul’s leverage diminishing
It’s rare for a star player to be surprised by a trade, but Davis has experienced this twice in a year: first when the Lakers traded him to the Mavericks for Luka Doncic and then to the Wizards. Davis anticipated a trade but did not expect to have no say in the matter.
Davis and Paul are losing leverage, especially following a series of injuries. Since January 28, 2025, Davis has played only 29 games. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, a recent hand injury obstructed trade talks with the Atlanta Hawks and any plans for an extension.
In contrast, Paul negotiated a trade for James Harden involving his client Darius Garland with the Los Angeles Clippers, as there was urgency on both sides. The Wizards face no pressure to extend Davis, who has two years remaining on his contract and has not proven his health.
If there were significant interest in extending Davis beyond 2027-28, the Wizards wouldn’t have been able to trade for him using a projected late first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder and a protected first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors for 2030.
Davis didn’t bring back a substantial return in the trade and likely won’t secure a significant extension yet.