Fri Feb 06 02:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards in Blockbuster Deal Centered Around Cooper Flagg

The Story:
In a stunning move, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in an eight-player deal. The trade, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, is designed to maximize Dallas’s flexibility to build around rookie star Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks will send Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to the Wizards in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round draft picks, and three second-rounders.

The deal comes after the early November firing of former general manager Nico Harrison, a decision made due to fan backlash from the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers last year. Davis, the centerpiece of that trade, struggled with injuries and played only 29 games for the Mavericks. The Wizards, rebuilding, also acquired Trae Young last month, and now gain another decorated star, although Davis is currently injured.

Key Points:

  • The Mavericks trade Anthony Davis to the Wizards for a package including Khris Middleton, draft picks, and other players.
  • The move aims to free up cap space and build around rookie Cooper Flagg.
  • Anthony Davis played only 29 games for the Mavericks due to injuries.
  • The trade includes Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum going to the Wizards.
  • The Wizards acquire another injured star, having traded for Trae Young last month.
  • Dallas drops below the luxury tax with this trade.
  • The Wizards intend to be competitive next season while keeping their core young talent.
  • The Luka Doncic trade from last season and subsequent fan backlash contributed to this decision.

Critical Analysis:

The Mavericks’ aggressive pursuit of flexibility, as evidenced by blocking the Lakers from acquiring Daniel Gafford, reveals a strategic pivot towards youth and financial stability. The series of reports leading up to the Davis trade points to a clear plan to reshape the roster around Cooper Flagg. The urgency suggests a commitment to competing sooner rather than later, maximizing Flagg’s potential while his contract is favorable.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mavericks are prioritizing youth and financial flexibility over established star power.
  • Cooper Flagg is now the undisputed cornerstone of the Mavericks’ franchise.
  • The Wizards are accumulating talent, even if injured, in an attempt to accelerate their rebuilding process.
  • The failure of the Anthony Davis/Kyrie Irving experiment forced a major organizational reset in Dallas.
  • Fan pressure stemming from the Luka Doncic trade significantly influenced the Mavericks’ decision-making.

Impact Analysis:

This trade has significant implications for both teams. The Mavericks gain financial flexibility and a chance to build a sustainable future around Cooper Flagg, potentially becoming a contender in a few years. The Wizards take a gamble by acquiring two injured stars, hoping they can return to form and lead the team back to relevance. The move likely solidifies the Lakers’ position as a dominant force in the short term, having acquired Luka Doncic last season. The long-term success of this deal hinges on Flagg’s development and the health of Davis and Young in Washington.

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