Blockbuster Eight-Player Deal Sees Anthony Davis Sent to Wizards Amid Franchise Shake-Ups

Key Takeaways:

• Anthony Davis, alongside Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, was traded to Washington in a major eight-player deal as reported on 4 February 2026
• The Mavericks receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two future first-round picks, and three second-round picks from the Wizards
• Davis, who has been sidelined since mid-January with a torn ligament in his left hand, has a few weeks remaining on his initial four-to-six week recovery timeline

Trade Analysis: Major Roster Moves for Washington and Dallas

Multiple sources have confirmed that the Washington Wizards have secured ten-time All-Star Anthony Davis in a significant trade involving eight players and a collection of future draft assets with the Dallas Mavericks. Washington welcomes Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, while Dallas acquires Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, alongside two future first-round selections and three future second-round picks.

Reports broke on 4 February 2026, indicating a substantial shake-up for both franchises, with Shams Charania and Marc Stein reporting on the details. This move marks a strategic shift for Dallas, moving on from last year’s blockbuster that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in a deal bringing Davis to the Mavericks.

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

Mavericks Pivot: New Direction Around Star Rookie

The Mavericks appear to be architecting a rebuild centred on Cooper Flagg, their promising rookie talent averaging 20.1 points per game. With all newly acquired players set to become free agents this summer, Dallas is providing more opportunities for Flagg in the frontcourt following Davis’ departure. Notably, Dallas has endured a challenging run, with five consecutive defeats and three straight losses during Flagg’s run of 30-plus point games. The team currently stands 12th in the Western Conference with a 19-31 record, and prospects of Kyrie Irving—who tore his left ACL in March—returning this season are increasingly remote.

Wizards Signal Ambition with Davis Acquisition

For the Wizards, the acquisition of Davis signals a significant change in approach after seasons with 67 and 64 defeats, respectively. Having added Trae Young to their ranks last month, Washington now boasts a core including Davis, Young, and young big man Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick in 2024. Other notable talents such as Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coubialy, and rookie Tre Johnson contribute to an emerging roster aiming for competitiveness. Davis has, to date, featured in just 31 of a possible 84 games with the Mavericks, making only two play-in appearances last season.

Davis remains out of action following a torn ligament in his left hand suffered in mid-January. Surgery is not required, and he continues his original four-to-six week rehabilitation plan. Trade speculation surrounding Davis had intensified following the departure of Dallas’ general manager Nico Harrison in November, coinciding with the club’s sluggish start and the fallout of last year’s polarising trade involving Dončić.

Contract and Player Details

Regarding contracts, D’Angelo Russell holds a player option for the next season, Jaden Hardy remains under contract through the 2026-27 campaign (with a team option for 2027-28), and Dante Exum is due to enter free agency this summer. All pieces point towards a summer of decision-making for both franchises as they consider long-term squad construction and future personnel moves.