The Mavericks’ recent game against the Wizards was underwhelming, raising questions about their luck with young talent like Cooper Flagg. If they hadn’t landed a mere 1.8% chance at the top draft pick last spring, this franchise might be viewed as one of the biggest disappointments in sports history, rivaling historic blunders like when Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth in 1920.
Just 25 hours before the 2026 NBA trade deadline, the Mavericks sent Anthony Davis, along with Jaeden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, to the Wizards. In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malachi Branum, Marvin Bagley III, OKC’s 2026 first-round pick, a top-20 protected Warriors first-round pick from 2030, and three second-round picks in 2030. While many have touted the Warriors’ future picks as highly valuable, the top-20 protection means the pick only transfers to Dallas if Golden State falls below 21st place; otherwise, it converts to a second-round pick.
Viewed as an extension of the Luka Doncic trade, the highlight for Dallas in acquiring Davis was supposed to be the centerpiece asset. However, this outcome feels underwhelming, especially considering what the Mavericks have gained in the 52 weeks since trading Doncic: max Christie, Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malachi Branum, Marvin Bagley III, and a handful of draft picks — mainly low-lottery and second-rounders. Essentially, apart from Middleton and three first-round picks, most acquisitions are considered filler.
A year ago, Mavericks executive Nico Harrison held high hopes for Davis. However, the current reality suggests other NBA teams don’t value him nearly as highly. The situation has sparked speculation about whether Kyrie Irving might be the Mavericks’ next trade candidate, as this team is seemingly built around Cooper Flagg now. Flagg was part of the Doncic deal all along, albeit by sheer fortune, and it’s evident no one involved in the Doncic trade deserves credit for the luck that accompanied it.
Harrison should feel some embarrassment after the Wizards offloaded Davis, whom he once regarded as superior to Doncic. Davis got injured in the very first game against Dallas but put on a stellar performance, posting 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 31 minutes before a strain sidelined him for six weeks. Unfortunately, by the time he returned, Irving had suffered a torn ACL, ending any hopes of that core performing together.
Despite the questionable trade, there was some intrigue around what a healthy Mavericks team featuring Davis, Irving, and Flagg could have achieved—a team with potential to reach elite status. Fans had begun imagining next season with all three healthy. But ultimately, trading Davis was the right call, possibly one the Mavericks should have made sooner while his market was less diminished. Davis is now considered more risk than asset, having played only five games this season before a calf injury sidelined him for a month, and imagining him fully healthy feels like wishful thinking.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are hopeful but have taken minimal risks since the draft picks they gave up aren’t all that valuable. Even if Davis falters, the Wizards haven’t lost much. The Mavericks, on the other hand, gambled heavily on Davis from the outset, and that bet did not pay off. Fortunately, this chapter is finally closing, allowing the Mavericks to focus on building around Cooper Flagg and start fresh.
Fan Take: This trade saga underlines the volatile nature of NBA team-building—how quickly fortunes can shift with injuries and luck. For basketball fans, it’s a reminder that even star power can be fleeting, and true team success often hinges on smart drafting and developing young talent.
