The Dallas Mavericks have traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster eight-player deal on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, that dramatically reshapes the future for both franchises, according to ESPN.
Dallas is sending Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks (the Thunder’s 2026 selection and the Warriors’ top-20-protected 2030 pick), and three second-round picks (Phoenix 2026, Chicago 2027, and Houston 2029), per multiple reports including The Athletic and NBA.com.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sfrQQubI5i
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
The trade represents a stunning about-face for the Mavericks, who are dealing away the 10-time All-Star just one year after acquiring him from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Luka Dončić in February 2025.
Davis, 32, brought his championship pedigree to Dallas but has been consistently sidelined with injuries, including a left hand ligament injury suffered on January 8, 2026, against the Utah Jazz. He opted against surgery and is expected to miss extended time, potentially returning in late February or early March, according to Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report.
For Washington, the acquisition of Davis shows an aggressive push to build a contender around Trae Young, whom the Wizards acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in early January 2026 for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, per ESPN and NBA.com.
Pairing the dynamic point guard with one of the league’s most dominant big men, when healthy, creates a strong inside-outside duo that could position the Wizards to become playoff contenders in the coming years.
The Mavericks receive a significant package of players in return for Davis, headlined by veteran forward Khris Middleton. The three-time All-Star and 2021 NBA champion brings playoff experience and two-way versatility to the Mavs’ lineup. The 33-year-old’s presence could be crucial for Rookie of the Year contender Cooper Flagg’s growth and progression in the league.
Dallas also adds young talent in AJ Johnson, a promising guard prospect, and Malaki Branham, a versatile wing with upside. Marvin Bagley III will provide some big-man depth to help replace Davis.
One of the most important parts of the deal is that the Mavericks have secured two first-round picks and three second-rounders, giving them valuable draft capital to continue the team’s rebuild around Flagg, as noted in Bleacher Report and Hoops Rumors. The trade also sends Russell and Hardy to Washington. Russell’s role remains uncertain with Young dominating ball-handling duties, while Hardy could see increased minutes in the Wizards’ rotation.
Wednesday’s deal with the Wizards is a dramatic shift in direction for Dallas, moving away from the Davis experiment after he appeared in only 29 games for the team. The haul of draft picks suggests the Mavericks are positioning themselves for long-term success and a rebuild, rather than competing immediately.
For the Wizards, it’s a bold move to bet on Davis’ health to return to All-NBA form. If he can stay on the court alongside Young, Washington could potentially become a contender for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in future seasons.
As of February 4, 2026, the Mavericks are 19-31, 12th in the Western Conference, per Basketball-Reference.
The Mavs are scheduled to play at Atlanta against the Hawks on March 10, but it remains unclear if Davis will be healthy enough to suit up with his new team by then, given his ongoing recovery.
