The Dallas Mavericks shocked the sports world by flipping franchise superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package including oft-injured star Anthony Davis last year. Now, Davis is with the Washington Wizards after Dallas traded him there on Wednesday.
Mavericks forward Naji Marshall gave his thoughts about the trade after the team’s 135-123 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.
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“It’s always unfortunate. AD faced some injuries, I wish I could’ve played more games with him, shared the floor with him more, but that’s my guy,” he said. “Since he’s been here, he’s been a cool dude, an amazing guy, amazing vet. Always shows love. He’s an example, puts in work, wanted to win, played for the team.”
Davis played just nine regular-season games for Dallas after the trade in February last year and just 20 this season due to injury. The 32-year-old’s most recent appearance was on Jan. 8 against the Utah Jazz.
“Shoutout even [Jaden] Hardy, all those guys, Dante [Exum]. Shoutout to them, D’lo [D’Angelo Russell] too. … He was only here one year, but heck of a guy, one of my favorite teammates, one of my closest friends off the court,” Marshall continued. “Shoutout to them, I wish them nothing but success in the future.”
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Dallas sent Hardy, Russell and Exum to Washington along with Davis. The Mavericks received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley II, two first-round draft picks and three second-round picks.
Anthony Davis Trade Springboards Mavericks Into New Era
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32).Candice Ward-Imagn Images
(Candice Ward-Imagn Images)
Previous Dallas general manager Nico Harrison justified the Doncic trade by saying “defense wins championships.” Davis is a five-time All-Defensive Team honoree and three-time NBA blocks leader, but he’s played 65 games in a season just once since 2017-18 and is now 32 years old. Meanwhile, Doncic is a five-time All-NBA First Teamer and is just 26.
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The Mavericks fired Harrison in November, and they’ve now shed Davis’ $54.1 million salary. The former NBA champion is also owed $58.4 million next year and has a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28.
Dallas is under the luxury tax line, which gives it more financial flexibility for building around rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks lucked out by winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery after getting eliminated in the Play-In Tournament last season, which enabled them to get the former Duke Blue Devil. The 19-year-old is averaging 20.4 points on 48.5% shooting (29.8% 3-point) with 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals over 34.2 minutes. He’s a favorite for NBA Rookie of the Year.
Up next for Dallas is a road matchup with the Spurs at 6 p.m. ET Saturday night.
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Related: Klay Thompson Update Emerges After Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Trade
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.