Anthony Davis is still one of the NBA’s most talented big men. He is also one of its biggest injury question marks. That mix makes his next contract one of the most interesting stories in the league.
Davis is now eligible for an extension worth up to $275 million over four years. His agent, Rich Paul, wants the full amount. Here is what Davis is asking for, why the Washington Wizards are hesitating, and what could happen next.
Anthony Davis Is Still a Star When He Plays
The New Orleans Pelicans picked Davis No. 1 overall in the 2012 draft. Since then, he has grown into a 10-time All-Star. He protects the rim, scores inside and out, and grabs rebounds in bunches.
Even in a short season last year, his numbers were strong. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals over 20 games. Depending on who you ask, he is still a top 10 to 25 player in the league. That is why a team might pay him big money.
The Injury Problem That Follows Davis
The old saying goes that the best ability is availability. That is where Davis has struggled.
- He has played 70 or more games only once in the last 10 seasons.
- He has never played a full 82-game season.
- Last season, ligament damage in his left hand ended his year after a January game against the Utah Jazz.
The Dallas chapter made things worse. The Mavericks famously traded Luka Dončić to get him in the middle of a February weekend. Davis played just 29 games for Dallas before being moved. He got hurt in his first game with the team, which turned out to be a sign of things to come.
Washington got him in a nine-player, three-team trade last February. The Wizards sent out expiring contracts and two first-round picks, and Davis has yet to play a game for them.
What Is Anthony Davis Asking For?
The numbers are big. Davis became eligible to sign an extension for up to four years and $275 million. That works out to about $68.75 million per year.
Here is how it fits with his current deal:
- 2026-27: $58.4 million
- 2027-28: a $62.8 million player option, which the extension would replace
Davis and Rich Paul reportedly want the maximum deal. A deal like that would run into Davis’s late 30s. He is 33 now.
The Math: What Would $275 Million Really Cost?
Let’s look at the price per game.
- If Davis plays all 82 games, $68.75 million a year works out to about $838,000 per game.
- If he misses about 48 games a year, which is roughly his average in recent seasons by earlier reporting, he plays only 34. Then the Wizards pay about $2 million per game he actually plays.
The Wizards pay his full salary whether he is on the court or in a suit on the bench. That gap is the heart of the debate.
Will the Wizards Trade Davis?
Some earlier coverage suggested Paul might shop Davis around the league. The latest reports point the other way.
- The Wizards are not interested in talking trade with other teams about Davis.
- When asked if Davis will play for the Wizards, Paul replied, “Yea, why wouldn’t he play for the Wizards?”
- Both sides agreed to wait on extension talks until after the season starts, giving them the first 20 or so games to see how things go.
So the question is no longer who might trade for him. It is whether Washington will hand him a huge deal.
Why the Wizards Might Say Yes
Washington is rebuilding, and Davis fits the plan.
- The Wizards went a league-worst 17-65 last season, then landed top pick AJ Dybantsa.
- They already gave Trae Young a four-year, $212 million extension.
- Davis would give a young core a strong rim protector and a veteran leader.
- One executive said general manager Will Dawkins is a huge fan of Davis.
Why the Wizards Might Say No
- Age: A four-year deal would carry Davis well past his prime years.
- Health: One hand injury or one lost season could make the deal hard to live with.
- Flexibility: A max deal takes up cap space that could go to younger players.
- Losing: The Wizards have lost 64 or more games in each of the last three seasons. Davis may want proof that the team can win.
Why Davis Is Asking Anyway
Asking for the max is not unusual. NBA owners are billionaires, and they can afford big contracts. Davis has already earned hundreds of millions in his career, so he has little reason to ask for less. It never hurts to ask.
Still, he and Paul may have to bend. A fair middle ground could include:
- A shorter contract
- A lower yearly salary
- Pay tied to games played
These are only possible compromises, not reported terms.
What to Watch Next
- His first 20 games: Both sides will use this stretch to decide. A healthy, strong start helps Davis a lot.
- Games played: Each game he sits will weaken his case.
- Wizards’ record: Wins would show Davis the team is worth staying with.
- The trade deadline: If talks sour, trade rumors will return fast.
FAQs
How much can Anthony Davis get on his extension?
Up to four years and $275 million.
Is Anthony Davis being traded?
Not right now. Washington is not listening to offers.
When will the Wizards talk contract with Davis?
After the season begins, likely after about 20 games.
Final Thoughts
Anthony Davis still produces like a star, but his body keeps getting in the way. A $275 million deal would be a huge bet that he can finally stay healthy. The first quarter of the season will show whether the Wizards, and Davis, are ready to make it.
