LeBron James Leaves Lakers, But Is Anthony Davis Trade Unlikely?

The first day of free agency will give the Washington Wizards a chance to address the frontcourt through the mid-level exception, but it also started off with the first domino materializing in what will be the ripple effect felt around the league to kick off the rest of the offseason.

Veteran forward LeBron James officially informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to play elsewhere in 2026-27, ending his eight year stint with the organization that he helped deliver a title to in 2020.

Why does that matter, specifically for Washington? The development comes one day after James and Wizards forward Anthony Davis were linked to rumors about a possible reunion in Golden State.

News began to materialize late on Sunday night with steam picking up around the NBA through Monday that both James and Davis are looking at a possible new superteam alongside Steph Curry on the Warriors. After being expected to opt into his player option, Draymond Green's decision to opt out of his near $28 million contract for the upcoming 2026-27 season added legs to a rumor that many began speculating whether it would ultimately materialize.

But it takes two to tango in the trade market, and for Washington, it would mark a change in plans for president Michael Winger and the front office. General manager Will Dawkins has been consistent about Davis being part of the vision for turning the franchise into a more competitive team, even as Davis has changed his outlook about his interest in staying in Washington long-term.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Tuesday morning that he does not "have data that says the [Anthony Davis] trade is likely" while noting the lack of interest from Washington. Marc Spears echoed the same message later in the day, while a potential trade involving Davis to Golden State would also require the Warriors to send veteran wing Jimmy Butler to DC, which would mark a peculiar fit in Washington given the front office would acquire a veteran on a $57 million contract would be unavailable likely until the start of 2027.

Whether the saga ends with James landing in Golden State or even a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers could be another storyline, but the question as to whether the tune out of Washington changes on the ten-time All Star forward seems to be already answered. Davis, set to appear on the second of a three year deal worth approximately $175 million, will be eligible for a new contract extension on August 6 with uncertainty what a possible new deal could look like as he looks for a max contract

Wizards Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Wizards. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!