After a report emerged that the Portland Trail Blazers could be interested in Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis, is a trade package even realistic?
Anthony Davis found himself in the headlines yet again last week for the same rumors that have been swirling ever since he was traded to the Washington Wizards: will the ten time All Star end up sticking with the franchise to start the 2026-27 season?
The debut that was frequently tabbed as a possibility during his road to recovery never materialized, though general manager Will Dawkins noted that Davis could have returned if the season was one or two weeks longer. Whether that would have actually happened is another question, yet Davis continues to cast doubt about being all in with the front office as he's repeatedly questioned the plan to become a more competitive team following the 17-win season, cementing a third consecutive sub-20 win season.
The difference this time around? There's a team that has been linked to the veteran with the Portland Trail Blazers potentially circling back to Davis if they miss out on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. The only problem is what type of haul would even be favorable on a Portland roster void of attractive assets.
The irony in receiving Deni Advija in a possible Davis deal would be its own story, yet there's a near $40 million difference in their salary. Both Jeremi Grant and Jrue Holiday are on $32 million and $34 million deals next season, but is that an attractive enough level of talent for Washington to want to pull the trigger?
While draft compensation from Portland to Washington is a foregone conclusion in any possible deal, the other side is what trade value would Davis have this offseason with a $58 million salary while missing 93 games over the last two seasons.
It's the driving question as to whether another trade would materialize for Davis, especially this offseason with questions about his availability. Of course, the other side of the equation is whether this is a chess move by the veteran ahead of hopeful extension negotiations despite entering year two of a three year, $175 million contract.
What will the next twist materialize into? Time will tell with the offseason still in the early stages, yet for now, focus will shift toward the upcoming draft lottery with the Washington Wizards locked into a top five pick and maximum odds to land the top overall selection. It will mark the latest top talent to pair with a mixed of young talent and veteran leadership with all eyes on the end of the rebuild.