3. Wizards Strike A Deal For Mavericks’ Star
Moving away from signings and into trades, everyone knew this deal would be here. Washington trading for 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis was a move out of left field. However, it has propelled the Wizards’ rebuild from Play-In worthy to definite contention overnight.
The deal would send contributing pieces Marvin Bagley and Khris Middleton to Dallas. It also involved sending draft capital and AJ Johnson in exchange for Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum. While Exum was cut and Russell is one foot out the door, Hardy and Davis will no doubt be contributing to a contending Wizards roster next season.
Davis never debuted this season, but Washington got plenty from Hardy. He was averaging career numbers in almost every category. In turn, he could be primed for a sizeable role off the bench next season. Davis built the headline, but Hardy’s impact shouldn’t go under the radar. Davis is one of the best big men in the league (when healthy), and playing next to Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, the Wizards could be one of the scariest defensive units in the league next season.
2. Draft Night Acquisitions Make Solid Contributors
Jumping back in time to June 2025, Washington was looking to add a new member to their young core. After falling in the lottery, the Wizards took a chance on a Texas freshman named Tre Johnson. Later in the evening, they would draft and trade Walter Clayton Jr to the Utah Jazz for Illinois wing Will Riley. Late that night, the Wizards would draft Florida State guard Jamir Watkins with Utah’s second-round pick that was also conveyed in the deal.
Now, let’s jump back to the present. All three players look primed to join the young foundation Washington has been building for the last few seasons. Johnson’s shooting ability and confidence rival some of the best in the game today. Riley’s late-season dominance proved that he was an NBA-caliber scorer coming straight out of college. Watkins will play a major role in the Wizards’ defensive scheme while not requiring a sizeable role on offense.
The rookie trio won’t be the Wizards’ stars. However, each player will play at least a rotational-level role in D.C for what seems to be the long term. The Wizards were lucky to strike gold with three rotational rookies in the 2024 class. It really is insane to think they went six-for-six in the last two drafts.
