Anthony Davis, Wizards Delay Extension Talks as Both Sides Take Patient Approach
Anthony Davis is now eligible to sign a massive new contract with the Washington Wizards, but neither side appears eager to rush into an agreement. Instead, both Davis and the organization have reportedly agreed to postpone meaningful extension discussions until at least 20 games into the 2026-27 season, giving everyone time to evaluate the team's direction before making a long-term commitment.
The veteran big man became eligible to sign an extension worth as much as four years and $275 million. If an agreement is eventually reached, it would replace the $62.8 million player option in his current contract for the 2027-28 season. Davis is still set to earn $58.5 million this season under the three-year extension he originally signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023.
Key Takeaways
Anthony Davis and the Washington Wizards are delaying extension talks until at least 20 games into the 2026-27 season, allowing both sides to assess team performance and Davis's health before committing to a new contract.
- Anthony Davis is eligible for a significant contract extension, potentially worth up to four years and $275 million, which would supersede his current player option.
- The Wizards are taking a patient approach to the extension talks to evaluate how their newly assembled core, including AJ Dybantsa and Trae Young, performs together.
- Both Davis's injury history and the Wizards' ongoing rebuild contribute to the decision to postpone extension discussions, with the team wanting to see consistent availability and performance from Davis.
Why Washington Is Waiting
The decision makes sense considering how much has changed for the Wizards during the offseason. The franchise reshaped its roster by adding No. 1 overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa, acquiring center Deandre Ayton, and securing Trae Young with a four-year extension. Rather than committing immediately, Washington wants to see how its new core performs together before making another major financial decision.
Davis also has reasons to be patient. He was traded to Washington in February as part of one of the biggest NBA trades of the season, a move that quickly became one of the most talked-about NBA trades leading into the offseason. Injuries, however, prevented him from appearing in a single game for the Wizards.
Across the entire 2025-26 campaign, he played only 20 games while averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per contest, reminding everyone that he remains productive whenever he is healthy.
Injury History Remains a Key Factor
Health is likely the biggest question facing both Davis and the Wizards. Although he enjoyed a career-high 76-game season in 2023-24, injuries have continued to interrupt his availability.
Over the past two seasons combined, he has appeared in just 71 games, making it understandable why the front office would prefer more evidence before committing to another long-term deal. A strong start to the upcoming season could go a long way toward rebuilding confidence that he can remain available over the course of a full campaign.
Even with those concerns, Davis remains one of the league's most accomplished NBA Players. A former NBA champion and multiple-time All-Star, he owns career averages of 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. When healthy, he continues to impact games on both ends of the floor, making him an important piece of Washington's plans if he can stay on the court consistently. His experience also makes him one of the veteran NBA Players expected to help guide Washington's young roster.
Young Talent Gives Washington Optimism
Washington enters the new season with much higher expectations than a year ago. The team finished with an NBA-worst 17-65 record last season, but that result came while Davis never suited up and Trae Young was unavailable. The difficult year ultimately earned the Wizards the first overall pick, allowing them to draft AJ Dybantsa as the centerpiece of their rebuild.
While veterans such as Davis and Young are expected to provide leadership, Washington's future still depends on the growth of its young roster. Players including Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, Julian Reese, and Will Riley give the organization a promising foundation for the coming years. Their development, combined with the arrival of Dybantsa, could determine whether the Wizards finally move out of rebuilding mode.
Waiting until the regular season is underway benefits everyone involved. The Wizards will gain a clearer picture of how their revamped roster fits together, while Davis can evaluate whether the team is ready to compete before committing to another long-term contract. If the partnership develops as both sides expect, extension talks could move much more smoothly later in the season.