An NBA executive just dropped a bombshell about Washington Wizards star Anthony Davis, saying there’s a real belief he’s heading into the 2026-27 season playing for either a monster new contract or a ticket out of town. This isn’t some quiet rumor, either. A Western Conference executive told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, straight up, “It all comes down to him. He’s going to be playing for a contract or maybe playing to get traded. He’s a game changer.” Talk about high stakes right out of the gate!
The Unseen Season and the Monster Money
Here’s the wild part: Washington picked up Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in a massive eight-player swap back on February 4th. But get this, the dude didn’t even hit the court for the Wizards after the trade. Not once! He was sidelined with hand and groin injuries. Now, he’s set to earn $58.5 million for the upcoming 2026-27 season, and he’s got a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign, according to Spotrac. That’s a serious chunk of change, and Washington’s general manager Will Dawkins is reportedly a big fan of the veteran and isn’t looking to move him. But for Davis, who hasn’t signed an extension, it feels like all eyes are on *him* to make the next move.
A “Game Changer” Needs to Get On The Floor
It makes total sense why the Wizards are holding off on extension talks. Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported any “meaningful talks” won’t even start until *during* the 2026-27 season. You can’t blame them; the 33-year-old has only played in 71 of a possible 164 games over the past two seasons combined because of his injury woes. But when he *is* healthy? He’s a force. In just 20 games with the Mavericks last season, he was putting up 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game, all while hitting 50.6 percent of his shots. That’s the “game changer” everyone talks about! The Wizards are desperate to improve on a dismal 17-65 finish last season, and they’re banking on a new trio of Davis, Trae Young, and AJ Dybantsa.
So, as the 2026-27 season gets ready to tip off, every dribble, every rebound, every defensive stop from Anthony Davis isn’t just about winning games for Washington. It’s about his entire future, whether he’s playing for that massive contract, or making a case for another team to come snatch him up. Get ready to watch, because this saga is just beginning!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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