WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA continues to get softer as a league. Apparently, it’s now a punishable offense if you push a mascot, and the league is using Jaxson Hayes as an example.
He will be suspended for one game without pay for pushing the Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, during pre-game introductions. The Lakers went on to win that game 142-111.
Here is the shove Hayes gave that the NBA felt was worthy of a suspension. It seems like a very slight bump, and Luka Dončić certainly deals with more physicality on the court than whatever this is.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
Well, I hope G-Wiz got the justice he feels he deserves, and that Hayes learns something here, I guess?
This is an odd event, to say the least, and hearing what Lakers head coach JJ Redick thinks and what Hayes has to say about it will likely be very entertaining.
Of all the things a player could get suspended for, this seems beyond trivial and silly, but hey, the league continues to crack down on physicality, including what happens between players and mascots.
And honestly, when it comes to gambling, salary cap circumvention, and a myriad of other issues players can get in trouble for, pushing mascots is the best problem to crack down on first.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to missing a 3-point basket during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis was the biggest story in basketball last year. It was a bold move, and by bold we of course mean “moronic.” At least the NBA Draft Lottery machine went brrrr in the right way to give Dallas the No. 1 overall pick and Cooper Flagg, or they would be utterly unwatchable.
Davis’ tenure with the Mavericks is now over after being traded to the Washington Wizards in a stunner. It will be remembered mostly for Anthony Davis spending a whole lot of time in street clothes, as he only played 29 times for Dallas out of a possible 90 games. Now the dust has settled on both deals we have a complete look at what the Mavericks got for Luka Doncic, the No. 1 scorer in the NBA this season.
Dallas Mavericks trade …
Luka Doncic
Maxi Kleber
Markieff Morris
D’Angelo Russell
Dante Exum
Dallas Mavericks receive …
Khris Middleton
AJ Johnson
Malaki Branham
Marvin Bagley III
Max Christie
2026 1st round pick (from Thunder)
2029 1st round pick (from Lakers)
2030 1st round pick — Top 20 protected (from Warriors)
Kudos to the Mavs for managing to get a decent return in the Anthony Davis trade, but this really underscored just how horrific the original Luka trade was. The Mavericks lost the best scorer in the entire NBA, handing the Lakers their future — and they got two firsts that will be in the back-end of the first round, and another first they might never see because of the protection. Oh, and they also got the island of misfit toys.
One of the worst trades in basketball history remains one of the worst trades in history.
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27: Evan Mobley #4 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five before the game against the Houston Rockets on December 27, 2025 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made two big moves already at the trade deadline. It’s unlikely that they make another core-altering trade, but you never want to rule things out with this front office. If they did want to make an additional deal, it’s clear that other teams are interested in big man Jarrett Allen.
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If the Cavs were to make another bigger move before the deadline, it seems like Allen would be the one guy that could be sent out. His roughly $30 million per year contract increase that starts next season isn’t an overpay, but it could be looked at as such if you’re a team like the Cavs that is already over the second apron and has an All-NBA caliber center in Evan Mobley.
At the same time, Allen should be a phenomenal fit with James Harden. Harden is at his best when he’s able to run high pick-and-rolls with a good screener and rim finisher. Allen checks those boxes better than Mobley does at this point in his career. It’s not difficult to envision Harden and Allen lineups carving through opposing defenses.
Still, Allen’s trade value is worth monitoring. The front office has shown that they aren’t afraid to make win-now moves, and it’s clear that there is at least a market out there for Allen’s services.
We’ll see if the Cavs make any additional moves before Thursday’s deadline.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors embrace prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Chase Center on January 30, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to February Daily Topics at Golden State of Mind. A question (almost) every day this month to give the community a prompt to talk about!
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is less than 24 hours away. We’ve already seen some huge names get moved, such as Anthony Davis and James Harden. The Golden State Warriors have moved in silence, as they make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo … and don’t seem interested in doing anything else.
It appears that all of the cards are on the table for the Warriors. They’re going all-in for the two-time MVP from Greece, and it seems as though the Milwaukee Bucks can name their price (as long as it doesn’t include Steph Curry).
That means that virtually every Warriors player is seeing their name in trade rumors and rumblings. For some fans, it’s exciting seeing names pop up; for others, it’s concerning or sad.
Whether you’re pretending to be Mike Dunleavy Jr. making the best move, or just acting as a sentimental fan, we all have players we cling tightly to. Who are those players for you? Who would you make untouchable in trades?
For me, while I’d be heartbroken to see Draymond Green leave, Curry is the only untouchable. There’s no trade I’d make for Curry … not even Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, if such a silly idea were possible. At this point he means too much, and seeing his story come to an end in Golden State is an irrational priority of mine.
The NBA trade deadline is drawing nearer and more teams are making game-changing moves to alter the NBA landscape heading into the playoffs. However, through all the hullabaloo, the most impactful event might have happened last night.
SGA had been selected as an All-Star Game starter. 2026 would have marked his fourth consecutive All-Star Game appearance.
When did SGA suffer his injury?
Gilgeous-Alexander suffered his abdominal injury during Oklahoma City's 128-92 win against the Magic on Feb. 3.
Despite the injury, SGA still managed 20 points and nine assists, extending his streak of consecutive 20-point games to 121 games. He played 28 minutes in the contest, scoring his final point with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
When will SGA return?
SGA will miss at least five games, and will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break. Oklahoma City's first game after the break will be on Feb. 20 at home against the Brooklyn Nets.
Well this is awkward. Will James Harden be on the Cleveland Cavaliers bench in Intuit Dome as they immediately face his now-former team, the Los Angeles Clippers?
My Cavaliers vs. Clippers predictions cannot capitalize on that likelihood, but they do recognize how quickly Kawhi Leonard struggles without Harden, a harsh truth amid our NBA picks on Wednesday, February 4.
Cavaliers vs Clippers prediction
Cavaliers vs Clippers best bet: Kawhi Leonard Under 26.5 points (-110)
Without James Harden in the lineup, Kawhi Leonard scores three fewer points per game and shoots much worse from deep.Harden both set up Leonard and took offensive pressure off him. In four games playing without Harden this season, Leonard has fallen short of this prop three times.
That is not a massive sample size, but it is worth noting.
And it will be only human if Leonard’s urgency wanes the day after his supposed running mate with the Los Angeles Clippers has been traded despite the Clippers’ recent surge, not to mention that he was traded to tonight’s opponent, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cavaliers vs Clippers same-game parlay
Leonard has shot 3-of-23 from deep in four games without Harden, falling short of this three-pointers prop in all four games. Playing shorthanded tonight should not help the Clippers in any way.
Cavaliers vs Clippers SGP
Kawhi Leonard Under 26.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Under 2.5 three-pointers
Cavs -2
Our "from downtown" SGP: Clippers Sinking
Swapping frustrating point guards who will both not play tonight should obviously deflate this total. It should also further deflate the Clippers. Cleveland just went in on a title chase this season; Los Angeles just ruined all positive momentum.
Cavaliers vs Clippers SGP
Kawhi Leonard Under 26.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Under 2.5 three-pointers
Donovan Mitchell Over 28.5 points
Cavs -2
Under 222.5
Cavaliers vs Clippers odds
Spread: Cavaliers -2 | Clippers +2
Moneyline: Cavaliers -130 | Clippers +110
Over/Under: Over 222.5 | Under 222.5
Cavaliers vs Clippers betting trend to know
Cleveland has gone 4-1 against the spread in its last five, exceeding bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 10.5 points even when including the sole ATS loss. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Clippers.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Clippers
Location
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Date
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Ohio, FDSN SoCal
Cavaliers vs Clippers latest injuries
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 6: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors battle for position on MARCH 6, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s starting to look like the Jonathan Kuminga saga could drag out into the summer, even though that’s not what anyone had hoped for. Things have been trending in that direction for a while, despite Kuminga’s roller-coaster season with the Golden State Warriors, and now it really looks like they might end up that way.
Kuminga, after a long stalemate of an offense, returned to the Warriors on a 1+1, and it seemed there was an unspoken agreement that he would be dealt at the deadline. But then he was in the starting lineup on opening day, and thrived, and it briefly looked as though he would return to being a core part of the team going forward.
That didn’t last long. Kuminga was removed from the starting lineup and, eventually, the rotation altogether. When he became trade eligible on January 15, he asked for a trade, and it seemed the writing was on the wall.
Not so fast. The Warriors, while clearly trying to trade the fifth-year wing, poured some cold water on the idea when Mike Dunleavy Jr. pointed out that there needs to be an interested party with a compelling offer in order for a trade to occur. And all the rumors and reports have suggested that no such offer has taken place.
Which brings us to the star of the hour: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Warriors are trying with all their might to trade for the two-time MVP, and all of their chips are on the table. Kuminga would almost certainly be involved in any deal for the superstar: his contract could be paired with Draymond Green’s to match salary, or, if the Dubs use Jimmy Butler III to match salary, Kuminga could be added on top to allow Milwaukee to offload a contract.
Golden State has put all of their eggs in the Giannis basket and, as such, they’re unlikely to entertain any other trades until the Antetokounmpo situation is fully resolved (there wasn’t even a hint that they were in on Anthony Davis, for instance, and he was just traded for peanuts).
That puts Kuminga in a funny situation. The Warriors are Giannis or bust, and so, it seems, is Kuminga. Appearing on an episode of Run it Back, The Athletic’s Sam Amick noted that the Sacramento Kings still had interest in Kuminga before the Antetokounmpo rumors heated up, but, “if Giannis doesn’t get traded, I think the Warriors hold him.”
A Jonathan Kuminga trade is dependent on Giannis, says Sam Amick 👀
It would potentially be a little awkward if Kuminga rides out the season on the Warriors. But, with Butler’s injury, he’ll have a big role on the Dubs or the rest of the year, if he can get and stay healthy. And if he plays well, the Warriors can opt into his contract for next season, and then make another run at trading him over the summer … maybe even revisiting an Antetokounmpo deal.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Khris Middleton #22 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 1, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It may have taken way longer than Dallas Aggies may have liked, and it may not be for very long, but Texas A&M great Khris Middleton is finally a Dallas Maverick. Middleton was involved in a deal between the Mavericks and Washington Wizards centered around Anthony Davis, and is headed back to the Lone Star State at age 34.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sfrQQubI5i
Middleton is in his 14th NBA season, 12 of which were spend as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. During his tenure there he was a three-time All Star, and a member of their 2021 NBA Championship squad.
During his time at A&M, he averaged more than 13 points and 5 rebounds each of his final two seasons. He was a good, but not elite, player at A&M, so it’s fair to say that going from a relatively unheralded second-round pick to a three-time All Star with $288 million in career earnings means he vastly surpassed expectations as a pro. He’s been a fantastic ambassador for A&M athletics, and it’s great to have him back in Texas. Though considering that his contract expires at the end of this season, we don’t know how long he’ll stick around.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up before their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One month and three days of hell is over. Anthony Davis is no longer a Dallas Maverick.
The blockbuster trade was announced by Shams Charania, who reported that Davis will be traded to the Wizards for four players and five draft picks.
But how does this trade effect the Mavericks?
Well, let’s break it down.
Trade terms:
Mavericks receive: Khris Middleton, A.J. Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2026 OKC Thunder first round pick, 2030 top 20 protected Warriors first round pick, 3 second rounds picks
Wizards receive: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, D’Angelo Russell
On the surface the trade return seems underwhelming, as the picks the Mavericks are receiving very late first-round picks, but that wasn’t the reason they made this trade. The primary motivation for this trade is to clear the books for the future with Cooper Flagg at the franchise helm. The Mavericks will free up over $70 million dollars next year, with every player outside of A.J. Johnson being on an expiring contract.
The Mavericks are also trading two other bad contracts; those being both D’angelo Russell, and Jaden Hardy.
This added flexibility is huge for the Mavericks, both in the short and long term. In the short term, these moves will allow for the Mavericks to sign both Ryan Nembhard, and Moussa Cisse to standard NBA contracts this offseason (as it did not create open roster spots for them), while also creating a $20 million rade exception.
But the biggest advantage of the trade is the long-term flexibility it affords the Mavericks, as now the team has ample room under the salary cap and extra draft picks to build around Flagg. They also gained two more draft picks in a stacked 2026 draft class, giving them even more bites at the apple. It will also allow them to tailor the roster around Flagg. With three more players on expiring deals, the Mavericks can bring in 4-5 new players during the offseason. This should allow them to focus on bringing in shooting and playmaking to supplement Flagg and avoid repeating the mistakes of last offseason.
While this may not be the team’s final move, it certainly gives the Mavericks room to be more discerning with other trade possibilities, seeing as how they no longer need to worry about large looming cap ramifications heading into next season.
With Davis gone, the remnants of Nico Harrison’s vision are well and truly buried, and a new era can begin. While the focus is certainly on the objective changes this will bring to the team, it should also help speed up the healing process and allow Mavericks fans to fully focus on the team’s 19-year-old generational talent.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors have been rumored to be looking to bolster their respective rosters ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline.
For now, they’ll battle in The Six tonight, with the Timberwolves listed as short road chalk. With this expected to be a close matchup, my Timberwolves vs. Raptors predictions take a hard look at the Under.
That and more NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 7:30 pm ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Timberwolves vs Raptors prediction
Timberwolves vs Raptors best bet: Under 227 (-110)
This is a matchup between two Top-10 NBA defenses.
The Toronto Raptors rank fifth in defensive rating and do a particularly good job of guarding the perimeter, where the Minnesota Timberwolves spend a lot of their time. Meanwhile, Minnesota is seventh in defensive rating.
Toronto isn’t the most efficient at getting buckets, ranking 21st in offensive rating.
For Minnesota, the problem is injuries. Both Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are a little banged up and listed as questionable tonight.
This should be an intense game, and the Under is a great way to target it.
Timberwolves vs Raptors same-game parlay
A low-scoring game bodes well for the home underdog, a role the Raptors have thrived in, winning four of the eight games outright at home when getting points this season.
With the Timberwolves' best players banged up, bet on the Raptors to take advantage and pull out the win.
One of the players who could fuel that win is Collin Murray-Boyles. The rookie has shown flashes of his potential since becoming a regular starter, averaging 9.6 points and 7.2 rebounds over his last 12 starts.
CMB’s point total is sitting at 8.5, a number he’s eclipsed in six of his last eight games.
Timberwolves vs Raptors SGP
Under 227
Raptors moneyline
Collin Murray-Boyles Over 8.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dimes in the Six
How do you beat good defenses? By passing the rock.
Timberwolves vs Raptors SGP
Scottie Barnes Over 5.5 assists
Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists
Jaden McDaniels Over 2.5 assists
Rudy Gobert Over 1.5 assists
Timberwolves vs Raptors odds
Spread: Timberwolves -1.5 | Raptors +1.5
Moneyline: Timberwolves -125 | Raptors +105
Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227
Timberwolves vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the Game Total Under in 29 of their last 45 games for +11.40 Units and a 23% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Raptors.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN North, TSN
Timberwolves vs Raptors latest injuries
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In the latest acknowledgement of a mistake made in the February 2025 Luka Dončić trade, the Dallas Mavericks have shipped the centerpiece of their haul in that deal, big man Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards will also get Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. In return, Dallas will receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, as reported first by ESPN on Wednesday.
For the Mavericks, it’s another indication that the franchise is rebuilding with No. 1 overall rookie Cooper Flagg as its clear leader. Dallas has been uneven this season, going 19-31, which ranks 12th in the Western Conference. With his size, versatile skill set, ability to handle the ball and create and comfort in transition offense, Flagg has flashed plenty of potential, and Dallas is signaling that its plan is to build around Flagg.
Davis, 32, has faced constant injury concerns throughout his career, and has already missed several games this season with lower leg and hand issues. In fact, since the Mavericks traded for him February 2, 2025, Davis has played only 29 games for the franchise.
When on the floor, he provides a reliable defensive and rebounding presence, though his offensive numbers have declined since he arrived in Dallas. Across 20 games this season with the Mavericks, Davis averaged just 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
By comparison, his career scoring average is notably higher, at 24 points per game.
Now with the Wizards, Davis provides a veteran low-post presence and one capable of the occasional big game. Still, given his age and given his durability concerns, it’s clear that Davis’ days as a consistent offensive force are no longer here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have essentially punted this game, playing the second night of a back-to-back. The San Antonio Spurs must be thrilled, even if ESPN is undoubtedly livid.
My Thunder vs. Spurs predictions doubt Oklahoma City’s ability to reach triple digits with its available players, one of many NBA picks for Wednesday, February 4.
Thunder vs Spurs prediction
Thunder vs Spurs best bet: Under 219 (-110)
This is an exhibition game now. With respect to Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Kenrich Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder are trotting out a JV team against the San Antonio Spurs, who happen to have won three of four matchups against the defending champions this season.
The Thunder will score, but only so much, and both teams should be in cruise control in the fourth quarter.
These are the realities of the NBA insisting on an 82-game schedule, at least 10 games too many if caring about the quality of basketball.
Thunder vs Spurs same-game parlay
Someone has to score for the Thunder. This is an NBA game.
Cason Wallace will get plenty of scoring opportunities, though they won’t be enough for Oklahoma City to be truly competitive.
Thunder vs Spurs SGP
Under 219
Cason Wallace Over 13.5 points
Spurs moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: King of the Castle
Stephon Castle cleared this prop in each of his last two games against Oklahoma City, and with the Thunder on the second night of a back-to-back, his frenetic pace should exploit OKC more than usual.
Thunder vs Spurs SGP
Under 219
Cason Wallace Over 13.5 points
Stephon Castle Over 6.5 assists
Spurs moneyline
Thunder vs Spurs odds
Spread: Thunder -1.5 (-110) | Spurs +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Thunder -125 | Spurs +105
Over/Under: Over 222 (-110) | Under 222 (-110)
Thunder vs Spurs betting trend to know
Seven straight Spurs games have gone Under their totals, and by an average of 12.4 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Spurs.
How to watch Thunder vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Thunder vs Spurs latest injuries
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DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Center on January 01, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Anthony Davis was one of the biggest names to watch during the 2026 NBA trade deadline, but no one anticipated the Washington Wizards would be a suitor for his services. After trading for Trae Young earlier this season, the Wizards are now fully accelerating their rebuild with an incredibly bold deal for Davis as he remains out with a thumb injury.
The Dallas Mavericks finally pulled the plug on Davis, and they got a decent return for him. Here’s the full details of the trade, via Shams Charania:
Wizards get: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum
Mavericks get: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-rounders
The Mavericks are receiving the 2026 Oklahoma City Thunder first-round pick and a 2030 top-20 protected Golden State Warriors first-round pick.
The Mavs and Wizards are each picking a lane with this deal. It’s probably the most surprising trade of the deadline so far, partly because it didn’t leak at all. Let’s grade this trade from both sides.
Wizards grade for Anthony Davis trade
The Wizards have been tanking by design since trading Bradley Beal in the summer of 2023. Washington has collected some nice young players in Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, and Bilal Coulibaly, but they didn’t have a star to stir the drink. Now Washington has two potential veteran stars in Trae Young and Anthony Davis who complement each other well on both ends of the floor.
Davis was considered a top-10 player in the league before his shocking trade for Luka Doncic ahead of last year’s deadline. His Mavericks’ tenure was a massive failure, and he could never escape Luka’s shadow as the fanbase revolted. AD can still be an excellent two-way big man, but he’s getting older on the brink of his 33rd birthday, and he just can’t shake the injury bug.
Davis and Sarr creates a super long and athletic front line that can shine both offensively and defensively. Both players are more play-finishers than play creators, and that’s where Young comes in. If Young can get back to the peak of his powers, he should be able to dime up his two bigs while adding long-range shooting. Add in Johnson’s movement shooting, George’s jumbo creation, and Coulibaly’s defense, and the Wizards might have a stew cooking here.
Can Davis actually stay healthy, though? He’s owed $58.4 million in 2026 and $62.7 million in 2027, so it’s an expensive gamble. With the East wide open, the Wizards can legitimately go from worst to a contender if everything falls into place. The biggest piece of the puzzle will be Washington’s 2026 lottery pick. If the Wizards can land either Cameron Boozer or Darryn Peterson, suddenly this thing can go to the moon.
It’s a really bold play for the Wizards, but the picks they gave up aren’t that valuable. I like it.
Grade: B
Mavericks grade for trading Anthony Davis to Washington
The Mavericks wanted to close the book on the Luka trade, and that meant moving off Davis. Getting two firsts for him sounds great in theory, but the Thunder pick will be in the 28-30 range, and the Warriors’ pick is top-20 protected. Taking A.J. Johnson in this trade is a nice gamble on a young point guard prospect, too. It’s definitely not a great haul, but it’s not terrible, either.
The Mavs are also praying for lottery luck this year. Dallas controls its 2026 first-round pick, but doesn’t control another one of its firsts until 2031. That means they need to make this pick count now to find Cooper Flagg a star teammate. Flagg has been electric as a rookie and should become one of the NBA’s best players. It’s just going to be very hard to build around him given Dallas’ limited resources.
This trade provides more resources even if they are mostly middling. Dallas should lose a lot of games the rest of the way to improve the chances of its own pick with Davis out. The late first-round has provided some hits in recent years (Desmond Bane comes to mind), and the Mavs need to invest in scouting immediately. There wasn’t a huge market for Davis, and this deal gets his massive salary off the book for expiring contracts and picks. That’s about as good as Dallas was going to do.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball against Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“LeBron James will be a free agent this summer, and if he chooses to play a 24th NBA season, sources close to him said Cleveand would be an obvious destination. His salary would not be close to the $52.6 million he’s earning now in Los Angeles, but at age 41 he is aware of the market realities facing him if he extends his career.
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The Cavs are pushing all of their chips in for this season and next. That’s what happens when you trade a 26-year-old All-Star for a 36-year-old one. And, there’s additional win-now moves that the Cavs could be making before now and next summer.
We’ll see how this unfolds. But if James is playing professional basketball next season, there seems to be a good chance that it’ll be back in the place his career started.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Kris Dunn #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on November 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Clippers 120-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In an ironic twist of fate, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be taking on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. At the time of writing this, the Darius Garland for James Harden trade has not been made official. As a result, the injury reports still list both players as being on their previous teams. Neither is expected to play.
We’ll likely have to wait until Saturday’s game against the Sacremento Kings to see Harden, but we will see the debuts of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. That will have to suffice in the meantime.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Cavs -2
Cavs injury report: Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Darius Garland – OUT (was just traded to the opposing team), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League)
Clippers injury report: James Harden – OUT (was just traded to the opposing team), Bradley Beal – OUT (hip), Chris Paul – OUT (not with team), TyTy Washington Jr. – OUT (G League)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen
