The Washington Wizards have given no public indication that Anthony Davis is on the trade block. Even the Wizards’ president, Michael Winger, has publicly affirmed that Davis remains fully committed to the franchise’s long-term vision. But this is the NBA, and the situation could change in the coming weeks.
Bleacher Report NBA insider Jake Fischer reported in his latest update that the Portland Trail Blazers are positioning themselves as a serious trade destination if Davis decides Washington isn’t where his heart’s at this year.
Portland Trail Blazers In The Mix For Anthony Davis
According to Fischer, Portland is open to pursuing Davis the moment Washington decides to entertain offers.
“Portland, to our understanding, as they have been floating around and poking around in Giannis trade conversations, we’ve been told that they would look to pivot to Anthony Davis on the trade market,” Fischer said in his recent report.
“They obviously have Jaylen Brown interest as well. We’ve been told that Portland will be waiting there, with open arms, potentially, to trade for Anthony Davis in that event [that he becomes available].”
Davis, a 10-time NBA All-Star, landed in Washington last February after the Dallas Mavericks dealt him to the rebuilding Wizards. He hasn’t played a single game for the team yet due to a hand injury.
Now, he appears to be pushing for yet another move. And Portland would welcome that opportunity.
The Blazers earned a surprise playoff berth this past season at 42-40, but a lack of reliable frontcourt size consistently limited their ceiling. Robert Williams III heads into unrestricted free agency this offseason, further deepening that concern.
With that void growing, Portland appears ready to gamble on Davis as a high-risk, high-reward frontcourt partner for 22-year-old shot blocker Donovan Clingan. For a playoff team hunting for a real frontcourt anchor, Davis fits the bill.
Davis’ contract situation could also push this trade along faster than anyone expects.
He carries a $58.5 million salary next season and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. With extension eligibility arriving in August, Davis is now reportedly seeking the maximum on any new deal. That complicates things significantly for Washington.
The Wizards committed serious money to star point guard Trae Young earlier on Monday. They also hold the No. 1 overall pick and carry one of the most exciting young cores in the league, led by Alex Sarr. The in-house priority now shifts to developing the young core around him.
Handing a max deal to a 33-year-old with Davis’ injury history would work directly against that plan.
In that context, moving Davis starts to make a lot of sense. And the moment Washington opens that door, Portland will be ready to walk right through it and land their All-NBA center.
