Rumors began to emerge Tuesday about a “secret Eastern Conference team” that might have interest in trading for Anthony Davis, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (subscription required). Those whispers turned out to be legitimate as the Wizards swooped in to acquire the 10-time All-Star, furthering a shocking roster overhaul that began with a trade for Trae Young four weeks ago.
Stein states that the Mavericks elected to take the “only palatable” trade offer that was available for Davis, who has been sidelined since January 6 with a hand injury. Stein notes that the Raptors also expressed interest in acquiring Davis, but any deal with Toronto would have required Dallas to take on unwanted long-term contracts.
Even though the Mavs got limited value in the two first-round picks they acquired from Washington and no players who fit into their long-term plans, Stein hears that they decided it was best to act now because Khris Middleton has a $33.3MM expiring contract and wouldn’t be able to be included in the deal if the teams waited until summer.
Stein adds that the primary motivation in unloading Davis is to begin constructing the roster around star rookie Cooper Flagg, with one team source saying, “The building-around-Cooper Era starts now for real.” Parting with Davis’ maximum-salary contract — and his desire for an extension this summer — gives Dallas much more flexibility to add players who are a better fit with Flagg’s timeline.
Stein shares a few more tidbits regarding the trade:
- Sources tell Stein the Wizards wanted to add Davis to prove to Young that they’re serious about becoming a playoff contender. Young holds a $49MM player option for next season, and Washington is hoping to work out a long-term extension with him this summer.
- Stein hears that rival teams have expressed interest to Dallas in acquiring Marvin Bagley III, who was in the midst of a productive season as a backup big man with the Wizards. Bagley has a $2.3MM expiring contract.
- At one time, the Wizards were projected to have about $80MM in cap room for the offseason, but Stein states that they were realistic about their chances of landing impact free agents and opted to pursue Young and Davis in “pre-agency” instead. Stein adds that Washington has been searching for a center who allows Alex Sarr to fit into his more natural position of power forward, but Davis has historically preferred to play at the four spot as well so it’s not clear how their duties will be defined.
Prove to Trae that you are serious about being a playoff team so you can sign him to a big extension…smh… I was on board when the plan was let’s see how things go with Trae then sign him to a deal equal to his impact. Now. Seems like the bullets are back baby!!!
The reality is Davis is always hurt so projecting your future lineup with him involved is not realistic
I feel like dallas could of done better. Like AD for KP and that 2026 1st that Hawks have which is around pick 20 RN. Then trade DLo and a future 2nds to Brooklyn as a salary dump. Then boom, they are under the apron and have a much better 1st and all they had to give up was a few 2nds.
The Dallas move made sure that the players not included in the Cooper era were rmoved, those being AD and DLo who had a player option that he would have likely opt in to. Hardy also had a guarantee for next season which is why he was included. Would have loved if they were able to movve of Martins contract as well but this is good enough.
Hey Moga, you reckon they move Kyrie or keep him to help Cooper?
the bulleshits
What a poorly run organization. Worried overpaid Trae wasn’t going to sign again? For 20-30m more than he’s worth? The only way he doesn’t take his $50m option is if they sign him for 40-50m long term like idiots.
Then signing a guy who doesn’t want to play center? So now you stunt the growth of your PF of the future. Hard fail, just like Wall or Beal.