The Golden State Warriors refused to give up multiple first-round picks in a trade for Anthony Davis last month, with his injury history and desire for a new extension turning the front office away from a move for the Washington Wizards big man.
That stance has been instantly vindicated only weeks later after the Wizards have moved to delay Davis extension talks, mutually pushing conversations back to mid-season according to ESPN's Shams Charania on Thursday.
Warriors quickly vindicated for Anthony Davis trade stance
Davis became eligible on Thursday to sign a four-year extension worth up to $275 million, but questions over his health and the team's outlook moving forward means no deal will come before the start of next season.
"The Wizards and Anthony Davis have mutually decided to table potential contract extension talks and revisit it and wait until they're into the regular season," Charania said. "There are unanswered questions for both sides...For the Wizards, there are questions about Anthony Davis' health, how he performs and their ability to take the next step."
Reporting for NBA Today on the Wizards and Anthony Davis deciding to wait until the regular season to navigate a potential contract extension: pic.twitter.com/9PRGnoujQe
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 6, 2026
If Davis' incumbent team in the Wizards are nervous about paying the 33-year-old, that vindicates the Warriors' decision not to further pursue a trade at a point where Washington would have had leverage given LeBron James' unknown free agency status prior to his move to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Davis has played in just 29 games since his involvement in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade early last year, and Golden State taking a risk on the 10x All-Star would have been amplified given the already old and injury-prone nature of their roster.
Anthony Davis could still become a trade candidate next season
Washington's decision to park contract discussions suggests Davis could still become a trade candidate next season, particularly if he can't convince the franchise to sign him long-term or because the team doesn't prove good enough for him to see a future there.
It's difficult to see the Warriors renewing interest in Davis prior to next year's mid-season deadline even if he becomes available. Golden State appear focused on entering next offseason with significant cap space, and will likely only give that up for players who they're ultra confident can help over the short and long-term.
Davis doesn't fit that bill for any team considering his injury concerns, and now it's the Wizards who will take the risk of hoping the 2020 NBA champion can return to the floor consistently and rediscover his All-Star status.
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