Mavericks accidentally did Wizards dirty without even trying in Anthony Davis trade

The Dallas Mavericks got exactly what they wanted from the Anthony Davis era: cap relief, draft capital and a clean exit. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards got a 10-time All-Star who has yet to play for the team due to injury. Now, heading into the offseason, the Wizards are facing the reality everyone else saw coming.

Washington actually knew trading for Davis was arguably the worst decision from day one. Plagued by injuries, he played only 29 regular-season games for the Mavs and was owed $58.5 million for next season when Dallas moved him. He never came close to justifying the return package from the Luka Dončić trade, and the Mavs eventually decided enough was enough

However, the Wizards took him anyway. Mavs shipped Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum to Washington. In return, they received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks and three second-rounders. 

Now, Washington is stuck dealing with the fallout from the trade and faces a major decision this summer about how to handle Davis moving forward. Meanwhile, Dallas shed about $70 million in payroll plus a massive luxury tax bill. With only AJ Johnson’s rookie deal left on the books for next year, the Mavs wiped their slate clean.

Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, made it clear they preferred a move to a contender and both were caught off guard when Washington turned out to be the destination. Since then, he has been openly noncommittal about his long-term future with the team.

When asked about his long-term future here, AD said, "It's hard to say without the proper plan. Obviously, it's tough right now with the team. It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces that can change. It's year by year."

That lukewarm response gives Washington plenty of leverage. ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that the Wizards hold the upper hand heading into the summer.

"It is hard to see the Wizards showing urgency to extend Davis for the max considering his age and lack of availability," Marks wrote. "That does not mean an extension is unlikely, but it would come on Washington's terms."

AD becomes eligible for that extension on August 6. In the meantime, Washington is focused on landing BYU's AJ Dybantsa, the likely No. 1 draft pick, as their new franchise cornerstone. That's why the Wizards have backed away from their original plan to lock Davis into a long-term deal as quickly as possible. 

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