Anthony Davis and the Wizards are expected to wait until the 2026-27 season before holding meaningful contract extension talks.
Anthony Davis became eligible to sign a contract extension with the Washington Wizards on August 6, but the two sides are not expected to begin meaningful negotiations anytime soon.
According to Joshua Robbins of The Athletic, substantive extension talks between Davis and Washington are expected to take place during the 2026-27 season rather than before it begins.
"League sources who were granted anonymity to speak freely told The Athletic that any meaningful talks between Davis and the Wizards about a possible extension will occur during the 2026-27 season, not before," Robbins wrote.
August 6 marked the third anniversary of the extension Davis signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and the first day he was permitted to sign another extension under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.
However, Robbins described the eligibility date as "a bit of a red herring," with the 2026-27 trade deadline potentially representing a more important moment for Davis' future.
Both sides still learning about each other
Davis and the Wizards reportedly remain on good terms.
The veteran big man participated in Washington's optional minicamp in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League, but both sides may want to evaluate their partnership over a meaningful stretch of regular-season games before discussing a long-term deal.
Davis has publicly praised the Wizards' young core and organizational infrastructure. However, he has also questioned whether a team that finished with the NBA's worst record last season can immediately become a contender.
Washington views Davis and Trae Young as important pieces in helping the team improve while supporting the development of No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and the rest of its young roster.
The Wizards, meanwhile, will have to evaluate Davis' health and reliability. The 10-time All-Star turned 33 in March and has appeared in at least 70 games only three times during his 14 NBA seasons.
"Even if the 2026-27 season starts well for Davis and for the team, it's reasonable to speculate that both sides could find themselves far apart on a potential extension," Robbins wrote.
Maximum extension could be worth $275 million
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis
Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, have previously pursued maximum-salary extensions.
In 2023, Davis signed a three-year, $175 million extension with the Lakers. His current contract includes a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Should Davis decline that option in advance, he would become eligible for a four-year maximum extension worth approximately $275 million. Such a contract would run through the 2030-31 season, during which Davis would turn 37.
However, Robbins noted that it is difficult to envision Washington, or potentially any NBA team, offering Davis the full amount because of his age, injury history, and the league's restrictive second-apron rules.
The Wizards must also preserve flexibility for younger players such as Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, who could become eligible for significant raises once their current contracts expire.
Recent expensive contracts given to aging stars could also make Washington cautious. The Philadelphia 76ers' deals with Joel Embiid and Paul George, as well as Jimmy Butler's contract with the Golden State Warriors, were cited as potential warning signs.
Trade deadline could determine Davis’ future
Davis' value around the league is believed to be at the lowest point of his career following several injury-affected seasons.
Washington acquired Davis, D'Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum in February in exchange for Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, one first-round pick, a heavily protected future first-rounder, and three second-round picks.
The upcoming season could give Davis an opportunity to restore his value, whether that leads to a new contract with Washington or another trade.
Because Davis controls a player option for the 2027-28 season, the February 11 trade deadline could become the most important date in determining his future with the Wizards.
"That day will serve as a more accurate signpost for Davis' future than Aug. 6 is," Robbins concluded.
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