The Dallas Mavericks negotiated Anthony Davis’ trade to the Washington Wizards without consulting the 10-time All-Star or his agent Rich Paul, who remained unaware the Wizards were a serious suitor until the deal was finalized, sources told ESPN. The development concluded Davis’ disappointing tenure with the franchise.
Paul had actively worked to facilitate alternative transactions with the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors before the Washington deal materialized. The Klutch Sports CEO attempted positioning his client for scenarios that would preserve extension eligibility and maximize Davis’ market value heading into the summer.
Discussions with the Hawks went dormant after Davis suffered hand ligament damage during a January 8 loss to Utah. The Mavericks announced that injury would heal by late February, but Atlanta’s interest cooled following the setback.
Toronto remained in consideration, but Dallas would have needed to absorb significant salary beyond this season in any Raptors deal. That financial commitment made Toronto an impractical partner for the Mavericks’ salary-cutting objectives.
Dallas acquired approximately $150 million in financial relief, Oklahoma City’s 2026 first-round pick, and Golden State’s top-20 protected 2030 selection in the Washington transaction. The Mavericks included guards D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum to complete the deal.
Owner Patrick Dumont reportedly harbored concerns about fan reaction to a return package lacking premium assets or long-term pieces, sources said. However, rookie Cooper Flagg’s exceptional production generated patience among supporters.
The franchise reduced its payroll from an estimated $326 million including luxury tax to roughly half that amount. Dallas gained access to a $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception and a nearly $21 million trade exception.
Davis played just 29 regular-season games plus two play-in appearances for the Mavericks. He appeared in only 20 games this season before the trade, hindered by multiple physical setbacks.
The Davis-Kyrie Irving partnership that former general manager Nico Harrison projected would anchor championship contention for “three to four years” lasted less than three quarters. Irving tore his ACL in early March last year.
Dallas explored trade scenarios immediately after firing Harrison in November with the team at 3-8. Davis’ maximum contract, which includes a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, complicated negotiations throughout the process.