Anthony Davis will wear No. 23 for the Washington Wizards, becoming the first player to don the iconic number for the franchise since Michael Jordan’s final NBA season. The stage was all set until there was buzz that Davis wasn’t happy about going to the Wizards.
However, he denied those rumors in a statement regarding his future with the Wizards after the blockbuster Dallas Mavericks trade.
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The 10-time All-Star arrived in Washington via a nine-player, three-team deal. It marks another chapter in a brutal two-year stretch for Davis after last year’s shocking Luka Doncic trade sent him from the Los Angeles Lakers to Dallas.
AD’s Dallas tenure was underwhelming from the jump due to injury. He averaged 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 29 games, and the team went 16–13 in those appearances. By comparison, his lowest scoring average in any season with the Lakers was 21.8 points.
Former Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets.I
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Despite Davis’ injury-prone resume, Washington acquired him hoping to accelerate its rebuild alongside Trae Young, who hasn’t suited up since December with knee and quad issues. But buzz emerged that Davis wasn’t thrilled about landing with a 14-36 squad.
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Davis addressed those reports Friday afternoon during his first visit with Wizards ownership and front office in D.C. Speaking exclusively with The Athletic’s David Aldridge, he denied being unhappy about the move.
“They said I said a lot of stuff in the other city, too, that I didn’t say,” the 32-year-old told Aldridge.
His visit went well, but Davis made clear he needs answers before committing long-term. He praised the Capital One Arena as “top-notch, world-class” and appreciated how the organization welcomed him but added that he still has unanswered questions.
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“It’s hard to say [he would definitely stay in D.C.] without the proper plan,” Davis said. “Obviously, it’s tough right now with the team. It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces, that can change. It’s year by year. They could be the No. 1 team in the East next year.”
Davis wants clear-cut conversations with GM Will Dawkins and ownership about Washington’s vision before deciding his future. He’s owed $58.5 million next season with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, making those discussions critical for both sides.
The Wizards visit the Brooklyn Nets at 3 p.m. ET Saturday. Davis is not expected to play for Washington for the rest of the season as he recovers from hand and groin injuries.
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Related: Trae Young’s Message to Anthony Davis Includes Throwback Photo
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.