Anthony Davis’ highly anticipated debut in Washington now appears unlikely to come until next season.
The Wizards’ newly acquired star is expected to sit out the remainder of the year as he focuses on getting healthy for the 2026-27 season, according to Chris Haynes, a senior insider for NBA on Prime.
The 32-year-old NBA All-Star has not played a game since Jan. 8, when he suffered ligament damage in left hand late in the Maverick’s 116-114 loss to the Utah Jazz.
Davis was initially projected to return within six weeks to start playing in Washington, but the Wizards are now opting for a longer-term approach.
“Anthony Davis is one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and we are thrilled to have him in Washington,” said General Manager Will Dawkins. “Anthony’s championship experience and defensive pedigree bring a new level of opportunity and excitement to this franchise.”
The 10-time All-Star was acquired by the Wizards this past week in a blockbuster trade ending his brief stint in Dallas. In addition to Davis, Washington also received Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum in a blockbuster trade this past week from the Dallas Mavericks. In exchange, the Wizards traded away Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Braham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-round picks to the Mavericks.
The Wizards landed Davis with the idea of pairing him with former Hawks star Trae Young, as the franchise’s veteran foundation moving forward. However, both Young and Davis are sidelined as the season progresses.
Young has not played since Dec. 27 due to MCL and quadriceps injuries in his right leg. He is expected to be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. However, there is growing belief that the Wizards may exercise similar caution with him as well.
Set to return for the 2026-27 NBA season, Davis finishes this year with a career-low of 20 games played in Dallas. In those appearances, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
The timing is notable given Washington’s position in the standings. At 14-36, the Wizards sit among the league’s bottom five teams and have the second-worst point differential in the NBA.
With one of the most highly anticipated draft classes in recent memory on the horizon, team leadership is hoping not rushing back their two best players only strengthens Washington’s odds in an increasingly competitive race towards the bottom for a high-draft pick.
“Keep making this something that we can do for longer and for better,” Wizards head coach Brian Keefe explained. “That’s the goal for us, those are the important things.”
But for Washington, the vision is clear. A future built around a Davis-Young pick-and-roll, complemented by young pieces like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and a premium draft selection, remains the long-term goal.
The Wizards haven’t reached the postseason in four straight seasons, and the organization appears fully committed to playing the patience game. Davis will spend the remainder of the year rehabbing, Young’s return remains uncertain, and Washington’s remains in strengthening their young core.
After arriving in the nation’s capitol, Davis recorded a video posted to the team’s Instagram, saying he was ready to get to work.
“Wizards fans, what’s up, it’s AD here. Just touched in the city, touring the arena right now, going to check out the facility,” Davis said. “So excited to be here, can’t wait to get started.”