Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards Over Hawks, Raptors

The Mavericks shed salary and gained draft capital in the deal, but the choice to send Davis to Washington was a surprise.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Dallas Mavericks traded star forward Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards at the NBA trade deadline, surprising many who expected Davis to end up with the Atlanta Hawks or Toronto Raptors. The Mavericks prioritized shedding salary and acquiring draft capital in the deal, which included sending Davis to Washington without his agent's knowledge.

Why it matters

The Mavericks' decision to trade Davis to the Wizards over the Hawks or Raptors was unexpected, as those teams were widely rumored to be interested in the star player. The trade gives the Mavericks financial flexibility and additional draft picks, but it also raises questions about the team's long-term plans and their relationship with Davis' agent.

The details

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, Mavericks star Anthony Davis' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, was determined to position his client for a contract extension this summer. Paul attempted to help the Mavericks negotiate deals with the Hawks and Raptors, but discussions with the Hawks stalled after Davis suffered a hand injury. A deal with the Raptors would have required the Mavericks to take back significant long-term salary. Ultimately, the Mavericks negotiated a trade with the Wizards without Davis and Paul's knowledge, shedding around $70 million in payroll for next season and acquiring five tradeable draft picks.

  • The trade was completed at the 2026 NBA trade deadline on February 13, 2026.
  • Davis suffered a hand injury on January 8, 2026 that was expected to keep him out until late February.

The players

Anthony Davis

A star forward who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Rich Paul

The CEO of Klutch Sports and Anthony Davis' agent, who was determined to position Davis for a contract extension this summer.

Dallas Mavericks

The NBA team that traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, prioritizing salary cap relief and draft capital in the deal.

Washington Wizards

The NBA team that acquired Anthony Davis in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks at the 2026 trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“Rich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO and Davis' agent, was determined to position his client for another payday when he becomes extension-eligible this summer.”

— Tim MacMahon, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“The Mavs 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.”

— Tim MacMahon, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to use the draft capital and salary cap flexibility gained in the Anthony Davis trade to improve their roster for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The Mavericks' surprising decision to trade Anthony Davis to the Wizards over the Hawks or Raptors highlights the team's focus on financial flexibility and draft assets over keeping their star player. This move raises questions about the Mavericks' long-term plans and their relationship with Davis' agent, Rich Paul.