The 2025-26 season has been largely uneventful for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. Although he was due to establish himself as a superstar with the Dallas Mavericks, his time in Dallas was short-lived. With injuries keeping him sidelined, the Mavericks made the surprising decision to trade him to the Washington Wizards ahead of the February trade deadline.
Davis admitted that he viewed joining a rebuilding team like the Wizards with some apprehension, though he eventually warmed up to the idea. While this may be viewed positively, a recent report by NBA insider Chris Haynes suggests that Davis could be on the trade block even before he can suit up for the Wizards.
While noting past conversations with Davis and his current aspirations of winning MVP and DPOY, Haynes added:
“He’s at a place right now where he can’t afford to not compete, to try to build the Wizards’ stature up over the course of a few seasons. It reminds me of that time frame… He’s older now, so I think he’s more well-rounded with how he says certain things now, where it doesn’t come off so abrasive… I do think there’s a good chance that he may end up somewhere else by the time next season starts.”
Although he noted that Davis and the Wizards seem to be in a good place, it is evident that his dreams do not align with Washington’s current situation.
At 33, Anthony Davis is arguably in the final years of his prime. His injury-riddled history and $58.4 million cap hit next season make him a high-risk asset. Still, considering that he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game this season, there is reason to believe that he could still be an impactful roster piece.
Keeping these aspects in mind, we explore four teams that could benefit from trading for Anthony Davis this summer.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis
Washington Wizards Receive: Anfernee Simons (sign-and-trade), Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro, Guerschon Yabusele, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
For Anthony Davis, a move to the Chicago Bulls would be a move back home. By virtue of being a Chicago native, Davis has been linked in rumors with the Bulls. While the move didn’t materialize, this offseason may present an intriguing opportunity.
This trade works out well for the Wizards. Along with two first-round picks, the Wizards acquire some useful player assets. While these pieces may not necessarily move the needle, they have some upside.
Anfernee Simons proved himself as a solid two-way player for the Celtics this season. With averages of 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, he could be a valuable addition. Similarly, Isaac Okoro posted 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game, positioning himself as a reliable wing player.
As promising as these two could be, the same can’t be said for Patrick Williams (7.0 PPG and 3.0 RPG) and Guerschon Yabusele (5.6 PTS and 3.5 RPG). For the most part, Washington may utilize these two as trade assets in future moves.
On the flip side, this deal also favors the Bulls, who are a franchise undergoing significant changes. After failing to secure a playoff spot, Chicago began its rebuild by making major changes to the coaching staff and front office. Once it comes down to making roster moves, acquiring Anthony Davis may be viewed positively.
With a talented young floor general in Josh Giddey and an athletic forward with star-caliber potential like Matas Buzelis, the Bulls have a promising core. Unfortunately, the supporting cast hasn’t been as impressive.
By acquiring Anthony Davis, the Bulls instantly become a more well-rounded unit. Although their status as a playoff team would be up for debate, the core may be solid enough to build around.
Golden State Warriors
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis
Washington Wizards Receive: Jimmy Butler, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
The Golden State Warriors were among the many teams to be linked with Anthony Davis in trade rumors ahead of the trade deadline. While the deal didn’t go through, there is reason to believe that the move had some promising implications.
For starters, the Warriors’ trade assets are quite limited. However, when dealing with a rebuilding team like Washington, a package including Jimmy Butler and two first-round picks may suffice.
On paper, the Wizards may not see the value in Butler’s addition, since he is expected to miss significant time while recovering from an ACL injury. However, given that he will be on an expiring contract worth $56.8 million, Washington may be enticed by the potential cap flexibility they could gain for the summer of 2027.
While the upside for the Wizards is purely financial, the Warriors’ benefits are largely practical.
Anthony Davis has already asserted himself as an elite two-way big man. By pairing him with Draymond Green on defense and Kristaps Porzingis on offense, the Warriors will boast an elite frontcourt, one that could be rated as the most formidable in the NBA.
Anthony Davis’ versatility as an offensive player complements Stephen Curry‘s three-point shooting and Porzingis’ floor-spacing ability. If the Dubs are fortunate enough to have all three remain healthy, there is little that could stop such a core from becoming a title threat.
Detroit Pistons
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis
Detroit Pistons Receive: Tobias Harris (sign-and-trade), Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, 2027 first-round pick
For the Wizards, a package featuring Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, and a first-round pick may not be enough, but it seems reasonable.
Harris earned a new lease on life this season with the Pistons. With averages of 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, he positioned himself as a key contributor. Although he will become a free agent this season, the Pistons can maximize his value by signing and trading him while he still generates some trade interest.
Robinson has also proven himself as a reliable perimeter threat. Having averaged 12.2 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 41.0% from three-point range this season, Washington may greatly benefit from his addition.
Among the three incoming assets, the Wizards may see the most intrigue in Stewart. While he has gained a reputation for being aggressive and disruptive, his defensive contributions make him a high-value addition. With averages of 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game this season, he could add depth and toughness to Washington’s lineup.
This deal helps strengthen Washington’s depth, but for Detroit, it could be the key to becoming a true contender.
Although the Detroit Pistons ended the 2025-26 season as the top team in the East, they currently find themselves facing elimination in the first round of the playoffs. Given the growing need for roster reinforcement, an offseason trade to pair Jalen Duren with a superstar big man may not be out of the question.
On paper, the core of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren has proven effective. Unfortunately, the lack of resilience in the playoffs has been telling. Thus, adding a player with championship experience and DPOY-level upside could be the boost the Pistons need to make a genuine title push.
Houston Rockets
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis
Houston Rockets Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick (DAL/PHX swap)
Like the other scenarios, this trade also has promising implications for the Wizards.
Jabari Smith Jr. has grown in stature as a player this season, posting 15.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Similarly, sophomore guard Reed Sheppard has also been more impactful this year, averaging 13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
On a young team like Washington, both Smith and Sheppard would have the opportunity to grow. When noting the potential frontcourt pairing of Alex Sarr and Smith, along with the backcourt duo of Trae Young and Sheppard, the Wizards could be truly formidable.
While Fred VanVleet also deserves a shout as a veteran guard, his ACL injury raises questions about how effective he will be next season. In light of this, the Wizards may be more intrigued by the cap flexibility they can gain once his $25.0 million contract expires after the 2026-27 season.
Among the teams mentioned in the list, the Houston Rockets may seem like the most questionable fit at first glance. With players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun in the frontcourt, the Rockets seem like a competitive unit. But when factoring in the team’s small title window with Kevin Durant on the roster, a blockbuster move like this may not be out of the question.
Anthony Davis’ reputation as a two-way player makes him a solid fit alongside Alperen Sengun in the frontcourt. Given his upside as a rim protector, paired with Houston’s solid perimeter defense, the Rockets could become one of the most complete defensive teams in the NBA.
While promising, the biggest risk with this deal lies in Anthony Davis’ ability to remain healthy. To that note, despite his availability in the regular season, Durant is also prone to getting injured. Thus, should one (or both) superstar(s) sustain an injury, the Rockets’ campaign would effectively come off the rails.
Final Thoughts
The circumstances surrounding Anthony Davis are quite unfortunate. As an elite big man and an NBA champion, it is evident that Davis is still capable of being a significant contributor. However, his recurring injuries, along with his rumored lack of commitment to conditioning, have proven to be his undoing.
At the current juncture, it seems quite unlikely for Davis to be able to fulfill his aspirations of winning MVP and DPOY. Given the Wizards’ roster and the team’s current outlook, Washington may not be the right environment for him to achieve his goals. On that note, a move would be advisable.
Still, there is also reason to invest in Washington’s growth and development. Barring the opportunity to play with an elite playmaker like Trae Young, the Wizards boast some exciting young talent amid their ranks. Should Anthony Davis choose to embrace a mentorship role and help nurture these young players, the Wizards could take the league by storm.
