bleacherreport
As Anthony Davis approaches his official debut with the Washington Wizards, acquired in a trade eight months ago, questions loom about his long-term commitment to the franchise. According to The Athletic's David Aldridge and Josh Robbins, NBA teams are fully aware that Davis's representatives are pushing for a contract that would compensate him at or close to maximum salary levels. Davis is currently in the final guaranteed year of his deal, set to earn $58.5 million, and he possesses a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
The 10-time All-Star has been eligible for an extension worth up to $275 million over four years since August 6. The Wizards obtained Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in February, but a hand injury sustained earlier in the 2025-26 season has prevented him from playing for Washington. Although there were offseason rumors that the two sides would discuss an extension once he became eligible, neither appeared hurried to finalize an agreement. Robbins reported on August 6 that no substantive talks would occur until after the season starts.
During media day on September 28, Davis told reporters he plans to play out the season before making any decisions, particularly regarding his player option. "When the season is over," Davis said. "I'm going to go through the season, and kind of do what I do at a high level, and then, when it's over, you know, sit down and have those key conversations again with the front office."
Given that neither Davis nor the Wizards know how he will mesh with the current core, waiting on extension talks is logical. Davis's injury history, especially in recent years, combined with his desire for a max or near-max deal, could be a stumbling block for some teams in the apron era, where big salaries are scrutinized more than ever.
Key Analysis
If Davis replicates his 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Lakers—when he played 76 games, earned All-NBA honors, and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting—he will be in a stronger position to secure the contract he seeks. Over the past two seasons, Davis has averaged 23.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game in 71 starts, but the concerning part is that he has played only 71 of a possible 164 games in that span. Since being traded from the Lakers to Dallas, he has appeared in just 29 of 115 possible games.
Washington is financially positioned to potentially accommodate a Davis extension if both sides can come together. Trae Young is the only player on the roster set to earn more than $16 million in 2027-28. If AJ Dybantsa develops as hoped, any extension for him wouldn't begin until 2030-31. By then, Young's current contract will have expired, and Davis would be entering the final year of a four-year deal, should he sign one.
It may seem premature to consider such long-term scenarios, but the Wizards' roster is one of the most intriguing in the Eastern Conference due to the talent assembled. Young saw limited action with Washington last season after being acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in January, playing just five games before being shut down. The Wizards won the lottery to select Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, adding him to a core featuring Young, Davis, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, and Alex Sarr. This group has many fascinating pieces that Washington is eager to see on the court together.
Davis can be a game-changer for any team because of his two-way prowess. If he helps elevate the Wizards back to relevance, his leverage for the contract he desires will increase significantly.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.