In one of the most stunning moves of the 2025-26 season, the Dallas Mavericks have pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade that will send 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. The trade represents a complete organizational reset for Dallas, one that prioritizes long-term flexibility over short-term contention.
Why Did the Mavericks Trade Away Anthony Davis?
For a franchise that sits at 19-31 and has watched Cooper Flagg emerge as a legitimate franchise cornerstone in his rookie season, the decision makes painful yet practical sense.
The Mavericks entered this season hoping Davis could stay healthy and anchor their defense alongside Flagg, but injuries have derailed those plans once again. Davis has been battling a left calf strain and a right-hand injury that have kept him out for extended stretches. His $54.1 million salary became a huge burden for a team that desperately needed cap space to build around its 19-year-old phenom.
“The Mavs shed about $70M from their payroll next season and add a couple of future picks. This trade for the Mavs is about prioritizing flexibility as they build around Cooper Flagg,” NBA insider Tim MacMahon explained in the aftermath of the deal.
The Mavs shed about $70M from their payroll next season and add a couple of future picks.
This trade for the Mavs is about prioritizing flexibility as they build around Cooper Flagg. https://t.co/1JH8YHYWTp
— Tim MacMahon (@BannedMacMahon) February 4, 2026
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Mavericks traded Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards. Dallas will receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks, and 3 second-rounders.
The financial implications are massive. Davis is owed $62.7 million next season on his player option, and moving him clears significant room under the luxury tax for a franchise that was hemorrhaging money while struggling to stay competitive.
Russell, who was signed in the offseason to address the void left by Kyrie Irving’s injury absence, never found his rhythm in Dallas. Hardy and Exum were rotation pieces, but neither became a consistent contributor. Hardy showed glimpses of scoring ability but couldn’t crack the playoff rotation last year, while Exum provided depth but little else.
Moving all four players allows Dallas to completely reshape its roster heading into the offseason. What the Mavericks get in return is flexibility. Middleton, 34, is on an expiring contract and provides veteran leadership without long-term commitment. Branham and Johnson are young prospects with upside who fit the timeline of rebuilding around Flagg. Bagley is another expiring deal. The real prize, however, is the draft capital. Two first-round picks give Dallas ammunition to either move up in future drafts or package for another star down the line.
For now, the Mavericks are betting everything on Cooper Flagg. The prodigy has been sensational despite the team’s struggles, recently dropping 36 points against the Celtics. He has shown immense maturity for a 19-year-old, shouldering the offensive burden. With Davis gone and cap space freed up, Dallas can finally commit to building the right supporting cast around their future.
