The Dallas Mavericks finalized their trade sending Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards without informing agent Rich Paul during negotiations, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on Thursday, Feb. 12. The report revealed that discussions with Washington advanced quietly while alternative deals stalled due to injury concerns and salary complications.
“Rich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO and Davis’ agent, was determined to position his client for another payday when he becomes extension-eligible this summer,” MacMahon reported. He added that the Mavericks “negotiated with the Wizards without the knowledge of Davis and Paul, who weren’t aware Washington was a serious suitor until the trade was done.”
Dallas had explored other paths before completing the move, including talks with the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. “The discussions with the Hawks went dormant after Davis suffered ligament damage in his left hand during a Jan. 8 loss to the Utah Jazz,” MacMahon wrote, while Toronto’s long-term salary commitments made a deal difficult under roster-building constraints.
The final agreement sent Davis to Washington along with D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, and Malaki Branham for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Tyus Jones, Marvin Bagley III, multiple expiring contracts, and two first-round picks, including Oklahoma City’s projected late 2026 selection and a protected 2030 Golden State pick. Sources also told ESPN there were internal concerns about fan reaction to a return package that lacked premium long-term assets.
From a basketball perspective, the Wizards’ strategy shifted away from rebuilding once the frontcourt star arrived to join Trae Young. Washington now blends veterans with developing players such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins, signaling a push toward competitive lineups rather than draft positioning.
The defensive anchor brings rim protection, rebounding, and half-court versatility, areas Washington has struggled with during a 14-39 season that places them 15th in the Eastern Conference.
For the Mavericks, the trade reflects a broader roster recalibration as the team sits 19-34 in the Western Conference standings. Moving Davis reduced long-term risk tied to injuries while adding depth pieces and financial flexibility that could reshape future rotations.
MacMahon’s reporting also noted that Mavericks decision-makers worried about optics surrounding the deal’s return value. “Sources said there was some concern from Dumont about how Mavs fans would react to a Davis deal that didn’t include premium draft picks or players who fit into the franchise’s long-term plans,” he wrote.
