The Washington Wizards could consider trading big man Anthony Davis before the next season starts, and before he ever suits up for the team.
The Wizards traded for Davis at the deadline for a package of expiring contracts and mediocre draft picks, with the hope that the team could pair him up with fellow trade acquisition Trae Young next season and get back in the playoffs. But Davis never got to suit up for the Wizards this season as he was banged up with a hand injury, and the team never got to see how he would look with Young, plus the team’s other top players like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly. Now, it’s possible Wizards fans never get to see the experiment play out at all.
Speaking on the “Deals and Dunks” show on SiriusXM NBA Radio, insider Chris Haynes said he isn’t sure if Davis will ever play for the Wizards, as the team may trade him before next season.
“I do think there’s a good chance (Davis) may end up somewhere else by the time the next season starts,” Haynes said.
Anthony Davis is an All-NBA Player When Healthy
When healthy, Davis is one of the very best players in the NBA. The 33-year-old power forward/center won the NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakes in 2020, and during his 13-year NBA career, he has made five All-NBA Teams, five All-Defensive Teams, was named an All-Star 10 times, and was even a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. When he isn’t banged up, he is one of the most dominant and versatile big men the sport has ever seen.
Unfortunately for Davis, he is often injured, so much so that he has been given the nickname “Street Clothes” by fans, as he’s often a DNP-Injury. This past season, Davis only played 20 games for the Mavericks and 0 games for the Wizards after the trade. The year before, he only played in 9 games for the Mavs after coming over in the controversial Luke Doncic trade.
The Mavericks, who saw that Davis was an injured asset that needed a fresh start, traded him to the Wizards at this year’s trade deadline in a surprise trade, but did not get any premium assets back in return. The fact that he wasn’t traded for more shows that his value around the league is at an all-time low.
Where Could the Wizards Trade Anthony Davis?
If the Wizards do trade Davis, there will be plenty of teams who are interested in him, especially since more teams will have the cap room this summer to take on his massive $58.5 million salary.
The Lakers, Davis’ old team where he won his only NBA title, could be a potential suitor, as he had some of his best years in LA, and the team has both the cap room plus a need for a big man. The Golden State Warriors may also be interested if the team loses Kristaps Porzingis in free agency, and the Miami Heat is another team that is always in the market for a big name.
That being said, if the Wizards do move Davis, they likely won’t be getting much in return for him. Perhaps they could get a few trade picks to replace the ones they dealt for him in the first place, plus some salary relief, but they almost certainly won’t be getting any premium assets in return after Davis didn’t suit up for the Wizards after the trade and show that he’s healthy.
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