Anthony Davis Joins Trae Young In Washington

Merlin sees Dallas shipping Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum to Washington for a haul that includes Marvin Bagley III, Malaki Branham, Khris Middleton and several picks, even a protected 2030 Warriors first. "Yes, those Wizards." The deal pivots Dallas toward rebuilding and hands Washington a shockingly starry core alongside Trae Young. Merlin notes Dallas likely settled for less because of Davis' injuries and extension demands, and messy front office choices cost leverage. Washington is betting cap space and chemistry; Davis can roam between 4 and 5 beside Alex Sarr and shore up defense, but the pair are "at most medium-term guiding lights." This is a high-variance move that hinges on contract choices.