NBA insider Chris Haynes throws doubt on the chances that Anthony Davis plays for the Washington Wizards in 2026-27
Ever since he was traded the day prior to the the deadline, rumors around Anthony Davis and the Washington Wizards have swirled, whether it be from player availability to his outlook on the team both short and long term.
General manager Will Dawkins has been consistent that trading for Anthony Davis was part of the Wizards' rebuild plans as he joins Trae Young as key pieces on the 2026-27 roster alongside, but NBA insider Chris Haynes noted he would not be shocked if Davis is not on the Wizards roster to start the next regular season.
“He’s at a place right now [in Washington} where he can’t afford to - I wouldn't say waste years - play two years to not compete, to try to build the Wizards' stature up over the course of a few seasons," Haynes said during his podcast appearance on Thursday.
It is worth noting that Haynes was the one to report days after Davis was traded that he was not expected to return to the court this season, rehabbing from the hand injury that has sidelined him since Jan. 8. Haynes also has a strong relationship with Rich Paul, Davis's agent, adding some level of credence to the report.
"I do think there's a good chance that he may end up somewhere else by the time next season starts," Haynes added.
Davis will be eligible for another contract extension later this summer as he prepares to play on a $58.5 million deal in 2026-27, the second of a three year, $175.4 million contract. Yet after playing just 29 games since being traded from the Luka Doncic on Feb. 2, 2025, what trade value would the 33 year old have during the offseason?
The news did come exactly one day after Davis did another interview talking about his mindset since being traded to Washington, noting that the Wizards "are a very bad basketball team for sure" before adding that the foundation and layers around the organization are in place.
Yet it becomes the latest question for the Washington Wizards front office to answer this offseason as Dawkins looks the pieces together for what is expected to be a more competitive season in 2026-27 with the team viewed as, at a minimum, a play-in contender in the Eastern Conference. Will the Wizards enter the regular season with two feet in from Davis? Is this all part of contract negotiations for the veteran?