Washington Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins cleared the air on Anthony Davis’ future on Wednesday. The Wizards extended Trae Young on a four-year, $212.9 million contract and drafted AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick. Both moves created speculation about Davis’ long-term future with the franchise.
On Tuesday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Davis wants a max extension, making him a plausible trade candidate. He added that the Portland Trail Blazers were expected to show interest in the 10-time NBA All-Star. However, Dawkins said the two parties have a mutual interest in building a partnership.
“He wants to be here. We want him here. We’ll have that [contract extension] conversation in the middle of August when we can officially have that,” Dawkins said on ESPN’s NBA draft show.
Davis is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million max extension. He has two years left on his current contract and is owed $58.5 million next season, with a player option of $62.8 million in the 2027-28 season.
Davis, 33, hasn’t been reliable since his trade to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025, so there was uncertainty on any team, let alone Washington, meeting his max contract demands.
Washington has already invested heavily in Young, and offering such a deal to Davis can impact its cap flexibility. The Wizards already have a potential franchise-altering prospect in Dybantsa, further raising doubts about Davis’ long-term future.
However, it seems the Wizards and Davis have had some level of conversations, making an extension plausible.
Gilbert Arenas predicts Anthony Davis and Wizards will make a deep playoff run
Former Wizards star Gilbert Arenas has predicted the Wizards to make a deep playoff run after acquiring AJ Dybantsa. Arenas cited the presence of Anthony Davis, Trae Young and Alex Sarr as well, showing faith in the core to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
While appearing on Stephen A. Smith’s podcast on Wednesday, Arenas said:
“We got three number one picks. Like I know what people say, well, there was one that was number two. Really? Are we counting the Hawks as the No. 1 pick? It was really Sarr who was really the No. 1 pick. So we got him.
“We got Anthony Davis. We already know who he is when he’s healthy. And we got Trae Young, who’s gonna let the world know they made a mistake. So we got those three. Then you add AJ, who covers up all positions after that. He can guard one, two, three, four, right? Come on. He can guard one through four.”
When healthy, Anthony Davis remains one of the best centers in the NBA, especially on defense. With enough help around him offensively and defensively, Davis can remain a viable threat against any team. His presence alone can open opportunities for others to thrive.
Just over a year ago, he was the Lakers’ best player and decisive when on the floor. The Wizards will hope he can reach those levels or come close, as it could be a major swing factor in their hopes of making the playoffs next year.
Read more:
- NBA Fans Dish Hilarious Reactions as Lakers and Mavericks Complete Direct Trade For First Time Since Luka Doncic Deal
- NBA World Shocked After LaMelo Ball Hits Trade Market as per Breaking Shams Charania Report
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