Dallas Mavericks Acquire Veteran Talent in Blockbuster Trade

Mavericks trade Anthony Davis to Wizards, receive Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, and draft picks in return

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Dallas Mavericks have made a major move ahead of the trade deadline, trading star power forward Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for a package that includes veteran forward Khris Middleton, young big man Marvin Bagley III, and multiple draft picks. The Mavericks also acquired shooting guard AJ Johnson and point guard Tyus Jones in separate deals as they look to build around their 2022 first-round pick, Cooper Flagg.

Why it matters

The Mavericks' trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers last year was a controversial move that left many fans disappointed. This latest trade is an attempt by the Mavericks' front office to reshape the roster and put the franchise back on a path towards contention, with the goal of building a young, talented team around Flagg that can compete for championships in the coming years.

The details

In the main trade, the Mavericks received Middleton, Bagley, Johnson, and draft picks from the Wizards in exchange for Davis, Dante Exum, D'Angelo Russell, and Jaden Hardy. Middleton is a three-time All-Star and NBA champion who will provide veteran leadership and two-way play. Bagley is a former top draft pick with athleticism and scoring ability. The Mavericks also acquired Jones from the Hornets for Malaki Branham. The key for Dallas will be developing this new core of players around Flagg, the team's promising 2022 first-round selection.

  • On February 15, 2026, the Mavericks traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
  • On February 16, 2026, the Mavericks traded Malaki Branham to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Tyus Jones.

The players

Anthony Davis

A star power forward who was traded by the Mavericks to the Wizards after playing only 29 games in Dallas due to injury issues.

Khris Middleton

A three-time NBA All-Star, NBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist who was acquired by the Mavericks in the trade with the Wizards.

Marvin Bagley III

A young, athletic power forward with scoring ability who has played for multiple teams in the NBA, and was also part of the trade package the Mavericks received from the Wizards.

Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks' 2022 first-round draft pick, who the team is hoping to build around as they look to the future.

Tyus Jones

A veteran point guard acquired by the Mavericks in a separate trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to integrate their new veteran players into the roster and continue to develop Cooper Flagg as they aim to build a contending team for the future.

The takeaway

The Mavericks' trade of Anthony Davis and acquisition of Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, and draft picks represents an attempt by the franchise to reshape its roster and put the team on a path towards long-term success, with the goal of building a young, talented core around 2022 first-round pick Cooper Flagg.