The Washington Wizards are taking Anthony Davis off the trade market, ESPN reported Tuesday, signaling the franchise’s commitment to keeping the veteran forward as part of its rebuilding efforts.
Trade speculation surrounding Davis picked up Monday after ESPN reported that the Golden State Warriors were eyeing LeBron James in free agency and hoping to pair him with Davis — reuniting the duo that helped the Los Angeles Lakers capture the 2020 NBA championship. James confirmed Tuesday that he plans to leave the Lakers, but Washington appears to be standing in the way of any reunion.
The Wizards are also reportedly set to lock up point guard Trae Young on a four-year, $212 million contract after acquiring him at the trade deadline last season. Davis himself could be in line for a four-year extension worth $275 million, which he becomes eligible to sign on August 6. That deal would replace the player option he currently holds for the 2027-28 season.
With Davis and Young potentially locked in long-term, and No. 1 overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa joining the roster, Washington is assembling what it hopes will be a competitive core capable of snapping a five-year absence from the playoffs.
Davis, 33, has yet to play a single game for Washington. He was nursing ligament damage in his left hand when the Wizards acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks back in February. Last season, he appeared in just 20 games — a career low — averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocked shots per game. Injuries have been a persistent issue; Davis has played more than 56 games in a season just once over the past six years.
The 10-time All-Star has put up career averages of 24.0 points and 10.7 rebounds across 807 games and 14 NBA seasons, with stops at the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2012 to 2019, the Lakers from 2019 to 2025, and most recently the Mavericks.
