Anthony Davis could ask the Washington Wizards for a trade if the team’s season starts poorly, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. Washington and Davis have mutually agreed to postpone discussions about a contract extension until after the regular season begins, leaving the veteran center’s long-term future unresolved.

“Depending how the season begins for Washington, the big man might seek a trade,” Youngmisuk reported Tuesday. Davis is eligible for a maximum four-year extension worth up to $275 million, but there are currently no plans for the sides to negotiate before the season.

Davis’ availability will be central to Washington’s plans. He has played only 71 combined games over the past two seasons and was limited to 20 games last year. He was acquired by the Wizards from Dallas at the February trade deadline in a three-team deal.

In those 20 games with Dallas, Davis averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks in 31.3 minutes per game. He shot 50.6% from the field and 27.0% from three-point range while starting all 20 games.

The production remains significant, but Davis’ recent availability represents a major concern. He played 51 games in 2024-25 after appearing in 76 games for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023-24, when he averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks while earning All-NBA and All-Defensive honors.

Youngmisuk noted that Davis appeared to be in good shape and happy while working out with the Wizards in Las Vegas this summer. His ability to remain healthy could therefore determine whether Washington views him as a long-term cornerstone or becomes more receptive to trade possibilities.

The Wizards are entering the season with a dramatically different outlook after finishing 17-65 in 2025-26. That record gave Washington the No. 1 overall pick, which it used on 6-foot-9 forward AJ Dybantsa, while the franchise also committed four years and $212.8 million to Trae Young.

Washington also added Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton during the offseason, while its young supporting group includes Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly. The organization has therefore moved from its three-year rebuilding phase toward a roster designed to compete in the Eastern Conference.

Davis remains one of the most accomplished players in that group. Across 14 NBA seasons, he has averaged 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks in 807 games, along with eight All-Star selections and five All-NBA selections.