The Washington Wizards have made it clear they want Anthony Davis in the fold, and he has suggested something similar. However, Davis’ uncertain future looms large over general manager Will Dawkins and the Wizards.
Davis can become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
Despite that, the Wizards are not exactly rushing to the negotiating table just yet, and it could be a while before they finally do.
Wizards Expected to Wait on Anthony Davis Decision
Thursday marked a significant date for Davis, with the Wizards star becoming eligible for a four-year, $270-plus million extension. The Athletic’s Josh Robbins reported that the two sides appear to be on good terms.
Still, just because the Wizards can extend Davis as of today does not mean they will.
“Today’s eligibility date, the third anniversary of Davis signing an extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, is a bit of a red herring,” Robbins wrote on August 6.
“League sources who were granted anonymity to speak freely told The Athletic that any meaningful talks between Davis and the Wizards about a possible extension will occur during the 2026-27 season, not before.”
This offseason, the Wizards faced the prospects of flipping Davis in a trade.
The Golden State Warriors were among the rumored suitors, but talks never went far, nor did anything come of them, and Robbins questioned if the Wizards would pay up for Davis.
“It is difficult to envision the Wizards, or perhaps any team, agreeing to a four-year, $275 million extension with Davis because of his age, injury history and the league’s punitive second apron,” Robbins wrote, and because members of Washington’s young core such as Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George will be in line for larger salaries after their current deals end.
“Because he holds a player option for the 2027-28 season, the 2026-27 trade deadline, which will fall on Feb. 11, will be a key date to monitor for Davis’ future with the Wizards. That day will serve as a more accurate signpost for Davis’ future than Aug. 6 is.”
Wizards Taking Bold Position on AD
It is a bold position for the Wizards to take, given how much uncertainty comes with such a decision. Davis, 33, got the unfortunate nickname “Street Clothes” for a reason, missing at least 20 games in seven of the past eight seasons.
However, the Wizards have already locked themselves into a deal with Trae Young. He has made it clear that he would like Davis to stay.
Notably, Davis and Young used to share representation, Klutch Sports.
Young switched to CAA from Klutch in 2024. That was around the time rumors emerged that he could potentially join Davis and LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers via a trade from the Atlanta Hawks.
Young and Davis are now on the same team in D.C., with James settled in elsewhere. Still, it is fair to wonder how much longer Davis and Young will both be Wizards.
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