The Washington Wizards decided to go with a roster overhaul in the middle of the season. Over his three seasons at the helm, President Michael Winger’s team posted a record of 49-178. The franchise is positioned for another high pick in this summer’s draft.
To bolster that, the team added All-Star-caliber talent to help younger talent. However, one recent acquisition brought new challenges for the franchise.
When Will Anthony Davis Make His Washington Wizards Debut?
On February 4, the Dallas Mavericks sent the 10-time All-Star to Washington along with guards Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum. In return, the Wizards sent forward Khris Middleton, forward/center Marvin Bagley III, guard Malaki Branham, guard AJ Johnson, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2030 protected first-round pick via the Golden State Warriors, and three second-round picks.
The Wizards parted ways with the players to facilitate the deal. Washington wanted Davis. The power forward has yet to suit up for the Wizards.
The team released a statement about his availability. NBA insider Marc Stein detailed the development.
The Wizards say Anthony Davis (left hand ligament damage) will remained sidelined at least through the end of March. He has yet to make his Washington debut. pic.twitter.com/BLZmMeJrNw
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 20, 2026
“The Wizards say Anthony Davis (left hand ligament damage) will remained sidelined at least through the end of March. He has yet to make his Washington debut.”
When healthy, Davis is a prolific scorer, averaging 24.0 points per game. Moreover, his 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 blocks paint the picture of a complete player. He’s played 70 games in just three of his 14 NBA seasons.
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Winger imagines an inside-outside duo of Trae Young and Davis spreading the floor to fatigue defenses. Young has a one-year player option with a cap hit of $48,967,380 after this season.
Meanwhile, Davis has a player option for the 2027-28 season with a cap hit of $62,786,682. The 27-year-old Young averages a career-low 15.2 points in 20.8 minutes of nightly play.
Since New Year’s Day, the Wizards have won just eight games. Furthermore, the team has not won a game since February 20, a 131-118 win over the Indiana Pacers. Currently, the team has a 14-game losing streak.
While Davis recuperates, the Wizards enjoy a breakout season from 20-year-old center Alex Sarr. Sarr, the No. 2 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, improved in multiple offensive and defensive categories.
Statistically, while improved, Sarr’s inconsistency could be the last step to elevating his game. Sarr added strength and developed toughness.
Working with an improving younger post player like Sarr, Davis can return as the power forward, using his multi-level scoring abilities. If Davis returns next month and can finish the season healthy, the Wizards can get a preview of what next season could be like. In April, Washington will play seven games to end the season.
