For the second time in his NBA career, Anthony Davis wasn’t given advance warning of an impending trade.<\/p>\n
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon<\/a> detailed some of the inner workings that led up to the Dallas Mavericks hitting the reset button by sending Davis to the Washington Wizards.<\/p>\n According to MacMahon, Dallas “negotiated with the Wizards without the knowledge” of Davis and his agent, Rich Paul. Neither was even aware Washington was a possible landing spot.<\/p>\n Around this time last year, Davis reportedly learned<\/a> he was being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers for Luka Don\u010di\u0107 from a group chat with his L.A. teammates. The 10-time All-Star quickly said goodbye and left the chat altogether.<\/p>\n In another possible example of history repeating itself, MacMahon reported Mavs ownership had “some concern” about how the return from the AD trade would be perceived by fans. That could explain why Dallas played its cards so close to the vest.<\/p>\n It sounds a little like the clandestine process<\/a> leading up to Don\u010di\u0107’s exit, which then-general manager Nico Harrison had to know would go over like a lead balloon.<\/p>\n Davis ultimately didn’t have a lot of leverage.<\/p>\n The 32-year-old has once again battled injuries. He logged 20 appearances for the Mavericks, and it’s unclear when he’ll make his Washington debut<\/a> as he deals with hand and groin issues.<\/p>\n That’s combined with the fact Davis will make<\/a> $58.5 million in 2026-27 and has a $62.8 million player option for the following season. That’s a sizable short-term commitment, and he’s eligible to sign an extension starting this offseason.<\/p>\n