10-time All-Star Anthony Davis was one of the top available players at the NBA trade deadline. The Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA community by trading Davis to the Washington Wizards, a team with potential but still viewed as a few years away from contention. In some of his first public comments since joining the Wizards organization, Davis made his feelings clear.
Anthony Davis Believes Wizards Are Ready to Win
While speaking to the New York Times following the trade, Davis praised the Wizards. Davis said, “The visit’s been great. They definitely welcomed me with open arms, spent some time with Ted and Zach. It’s totally different from what they make it seem. I know it’s like, oh, they have the stigma of they’re not a good team. I haven’t seen the practice facility yet, but the arena is top-notch, world-class for sure. Seen the chefs and how they take care of the families. It’s been great.”
It was just a couple of seasons ago that Davis remained the centerpiece as the Los Angeles Lakers attempted to win one more NBA championship in the LeBron James era. However, the Lakers acquired six-time All-Star Luka Dončić last February in one of the most shocking moves in recent NBA history. Davis was traded to Dallas in a move that is poised to haunt the Mavericks organization for years to come.
Davis was great while he was on the floor, but unsurprisingly, that wasn’t very often. Davis appeared in just 31 games for the Mavericks, including last season’s Play-In Tournament, while missing significant time due to adductor, calf, and hand injuries. The Mavs realized they weren’t going to contend anytime soon and put Davis on the trade market, ultimately leading to his arrival in Washington.
Davis remains out of action while dealing with his hand injury and groin pain. There are rumors he’s unlikely to make his Wizards debut until next season. If that’s the case, he’ll finish this season averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, while also averaging more than a steal and block per game.
The Wizards recently upset the Detroit Pistons, but are trying to stay at the bottom of the Eastern Conference to maintain control of their top draft pick this summer. The Wizards also acquired four-time All-Star Trae Young, as they look to move up the standings next season. Davis apparently believes in the Wizards’ young core and feels they are ready to win now.
Bring on the winter games 🥇❄️
Which Winter Olympic sports are the guys dominating in!? ⛸️⛷️🏂🥌🏒 pic.twitter.com/eNcsyivGEj
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 7, 2026
Davis will play next to 2024 second-overall pick Alex Sarr, an intriguing pairing. Sarr is having a better sophomore year, averaging 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Forward Kyshawn George is also considered a potential breakout player over the next few years.
Young gives the Wizards the true lead guard they’ve lacked in recent years, though he’s going to want an extension soon, just like Davis is eyeing his next extension. All of these variables make the Wizards one of the top teams to keep an eye on this offseason.
