Mavs Trade Anthony Davis, Aussie Exum: NBA Deadline Deals & Giannis Future

The Dallas Mavericks have officially moved on from the Anthony Davis experiment, trading the star forward to the Washington Wizards in an eight-player deal completed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The move marks a significant shift for both franchises, particularly for the Mavericks who are now fully distancing themselves from the disastrous trade that brought Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić last season.

In the complex transaction, the Mavericks sent Davis, along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to Washington. In return, Dallas receives Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, and a package of draft compensation. The Wizards are expected to waive Exum, but plan to retain Russell and Hardy, according to a team source.

The draft compensation is less than ideal for the Mavericks. Dallas will receive the least favorable first-round pick from the LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder, likely landing them the 30th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They also acquire a 2030 first-round pick from the Wizards – originally acquired by Washington in a trade with the Golden State Warriors – which is protected between picks 21-30. Three additional second-round picks are also headed to Dallas, coming from the Phoenix Suns (2026), Chicago Bulls (2027), and Houston Rockets (2029).

The trade signifies a clear change in direction for the Mavericks, particularly after the firing of former general manager Nico Harrison in November. Harrison was the architect of the initial Dončić-Davis trade, a move that proved unpopular with fans. The Mavericks are now focused on building around their 2026 first-round draft pick, Cooper Flagg, and creating a more sustainable roster.

For the Wizards, the acquisition of Davis represents a bold move to accelerate their rebuild. They previously added Trae Young earlier this season, and now envision a formidable frontcourt pairing Davis with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly. The Wizards believe this combination will form one of the league’s best defensive units, while still valuing the two-way ability of Kyshawn George as a key part of their long-term plans.

Davis’s time in Dallas was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just nine games in the 2025-2026 season and 20 games this year. He hadn’t played since January 8 due to a hand injury. Despite the injury issues, Davis averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game this season.

The Mavericks’ acquisition of Khris Middleton provides a veteran presence, but his $31 million salary makes him a potential buyout candidate. Bagley, Johnson, and Branham are all on expiring contracts, offering Dallas further flexibility.

Elsewhere around the league, the Utah Jazz were involved in multiple trades. Australian forward Jock Landale was initially acquired by the Jazz as part of a larger deal involving Jaren Jackson Jr., but was then quickly flipped to the Atlanta Hawks for cash considerations. Landale will provide depth in the Hawks’ frontcourt, joining fellow Australians Dyson Daniels and Duop Reath.

The Chicago Bulls also signaled a clear shift towards rebuilding, trading guard Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets. They also dealt Mike Conley, along with other assets, to acquire Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks. The Bulls may continue to move players, with reports suggesting Ayo Dosunmu, Collin Sexton, and Anfernee Simons are all available in trade discussions. The Bulls have reportedly acquired Dario Saric’s contract and additional second-round picks in separate deals, leaving them with a surprising number of guard options and, notably, no players taller than 6-foot-9 on their roster.

The Oklahoma City Thunder further solidified their championship aspirations by acquiring Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (via Houston), a 2027 second-round pick (the most favorable of OKC, Houston, Indiana, and Miami’s picks), and two 2028 second-round picks. McCain, a promising young guard, will provide additional depth for the Thunder, particularly with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander currently sidelined with an abdominal strain.

Finally, veteran guard Chris Paul was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal, but is expected to be waived by Toronto as part of a salary cap maneuver. The move allows the Raptors to clear cap space while the Clippers free up a roster spot and save on luxury tax payments.

Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed speculation about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks, stating his desire to remain with the team but emphasizing the need for consistent contention. “I want to be here, but I want to be here to win, not fighting for my life to make the playoffs,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic. He stressed the importance of a strong team culture and a commitment to winning.