Just over a year after they acquired him in a deal that astonished the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks are moving on from Anthony Davis. Dallas is trading the star big man to the Washington Wizards for a return that includes two first-round picks, according to ESPN. The Mavericks are also acquiring vetera n forwards Khris Middleton and Marvin Bagley III, along with AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham and three second-round picks. Dallas is sending Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to Washington in the deal as well. Wednesday’s deal occurred nearly one year to the day that the Mavericks acquired Davis — along with Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick — in the middle-of-night blockbuster that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Former Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had envisioned Davis, a 10-time All-Star, as the defensive anchor on a team with championship aspirations. But injuries limited Davis to only 29 games with the Mavericks. He is currently sidelined until at least late February due to a left (non-shooting) hand injury. Harrison was fired in November amid widespread fan unrest following the trade of Doncic, 26, who is an MVP candidate with the Lakers. Trading the 32-year-old Davis provides considerable salary relief for the Mavericks (19-31), who are reportedly now below the luxury tax and both salary aprons as they attempt to rebuild around star rookie Cooper Flagg. The expiring contract of Middleton, who is making $33.3 million this season, will provide Dallas with even more financial flexibility in the offseason. The first-rounders that Dallas received in Wednesday’s trade are the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2026 pick and a 2030 protected Golden State Warriors pick. Davis is under contract next season at $58.5 million and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He becomes eligible for an extension this summer. He is averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game over 20 appearances this season. The deal for Davis marks the second aggressive trade made this year by the Wizards (13-36), who last month added high-scoring guard Trae Young in a swap with the Atlanta Hawks that amounted to a salary dump. Young, who is dealing with knee and quadriceps injuries, is yet to debut with Washington. The recent deal-making suggests the Wizards intend to compete next season, with Davis and Young joining a core that includes recent lottery picks Tre Johnson and Alex Sarr. The Wizards entered Wednesday tied with the Nets for the fourth-worst record in the NBA, giving them 11.5% odds at the No. 1 pick and a 45.2% chance at a top-four selection in this year’s draft, according to Tankathon. Due to a prior trade, the Wizards’ protected first-rounder this year would go to the Knicks if it lands outside of the top eight picks. ...read more read less