Anthony Davis Plans to Wait Until Season Ends Before Discussing Wizards Extension.
Anthony Davis says he plans to complete the upcoming season with the Washington Wizards before revisiting contract-extension discussions with the organization. Speaking at Wizards media day Monday, Davis said he expects to evaluate his future once the season is finished rather than making a decision early in the campaign. Davis is eligible to sign an extension worth up to four years and $275 million. He also has a $62 million player option for the 2027-28 season, which is the final year of the three-year, $175 million contract he originally signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. If Davis agrees to an extension, the first season of that new deal would replace his player option. The Wizards and Davis' agent, Rich Paul, had previously agreed to hold off on extension negotiations until the season was underway. According to ESPN sources, the original plan was to use roughly the first 20 games to evaluate the situation and determine whether a new deal made sense for both sides. Davis, however, indicated Monday that he intends to wait even longer. The 10-time All-Star joined Washington in a February trade as the Wizards continued reshaping their roster. The move came shortly after the team acquired Trae Young, and Washington later selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. The Wizards view Davis, Young and Dybantsa as key pieces of their long-term plans. Washington also committed to Young during the offseason with a four-year, $212 million contract. Davis' future became a major topic during the offseason, including speculation that he could be moved in a trade. Golden State was mentioned as one possible destination, but no trade occurred. A source told Andscape in June that Washington was not interested in trading Davis and was not considering offers.
Davis did not play for Washington last season because of a hand injury. He is now preparing to return to the court and believes the Wizards can change how opponents view the franchise.
Washington added veteran forward Khris Middleton during the offseason and acquired center Deandre Ayton. Davis said those moves demonstrated the organization's intention to compete. Davis also discussed his role within a young Wizards roster that includes Dybantsa, Tre Johnson and Alex Sarr. He said he wants to provide leadership and help the younger players adjust to the expectations of the NBA. Young has also spoken with Davis about his future with Washington, though Young indicated in July that he believes Davis already has an idea of where he wants to be. For now, Davis is focused on the season ahead. Any decision about a long-term extension with the Wizards appears likely to wait until after the season.