The Washington Wizards have decided to shut down Anthony Davis for the remainder of the season to allow him to recover from hand and groin injuries. Davis, recently acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a major trade, will not play until the 2026-27 season. This move aligns with the team's rebuilding efforts ahead of a promising 2026 NBA Draft.
Anthony Davis, the 10-time All-Star big man, was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards on February 4 in a nine-player deal that sent five future draft picks to Dallas, including a 2026 first-rounder and a protected 2030 first-rounder. The trade marked a surprising shift for Dallas, which had acquired Davis in exchange for Luka Doncic the previous year but opted to sell low to accelerate their transition to the Cooper Flagg era amid Davis's injury concerns.
Davis has been sidelined since January 10 due to ligament damage in his left hand, for which he opted against surgery after a second opinion. A subsequent groin strain has compounded the issue, leading the Wizards to prioritize his full recovery over a potential late-season return. Reports from Chris Haynes indicate Davis is expected to miss the rest of the year, a decision confirmed by league sources. Wizards coach Brian Keefe declined to verify the report but noted the team would provide more details at an upcoming introductory news conference.
Upon arriving in Washington on Friday, Davis met with team ownership, including Ted Leonsis and president Michael Winger, as well as general manager Will Dawkins. He expressed optimism about his initial visit, praising the world-class arena and the warm welcome. "The visit's been great," Davis told The Athletic. "They definitely welcomed me with open arms... The arena is top notch, world class for sure."
However, Davis emphasized the need for clarity on the team's long-term vision, especially with Trae Young also recently acquired but yet to play due to his own injuries. "I need to talk with Will, Ted, Zach, and kind of figure out what the actual plan is," he said. "I want to see the plan, hear the plan, see the vision. Bringing Trae here and other things in store, what they’re thinking of doing, I want to have those conversations."
With two years left on his contract, including a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28, Davis's future in Washington hinges on the team's commitment to contending. The Wizards, sitting at 14-36, aim to improve draft odds for the star-studded 2026 class while protecting their obligation to convey a top-eight protected pick to the New York Knicks. Davis's history of injuries, including a detached retina, calf strain, and adductor issues over the past year, underscores the focus on his health to revive his All-Star form alongside Young next season.
