Wizards’ new star is viewed as one of the most overrated players in the NBA.

The Washington Wizards made a calculated move in acquiring their newest headline addition, doing so at a time when his market value has rarely been lower. This wasn’t a lucky break or a random opportunity—they were monitoring the situation closely and stepped in when the moment was right.

Dec 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks down during the game between the Mavericks and the Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

For months, speculation had swirled around the Dallas Mavericks and their willingness to part ways with 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. The noise began earlier in the season after a controversial front-office decision altered the franchise’s trajectory. General manager Nico Harrison faced heavy criticism—and ultimately lost his job—after orchestrating a blockbuster deal that sent Luka Dončić elsewhere in exchange for an aging Davis. Many observers believed that move effectively slammed shut Dallas’ championship window. As Davis struggled with durability and showed signs of physical decline, he became a symbol of that failed gamble. With his production dipping and his contract situation looming, the Mavericks appeared motivated to reset, even if it meant accepting a package centered around expiring deals and marginal assets.

Just over a year removed from competing near the top of the Western Conference alongside longtime teammate LeBron James, Davis now finds himself in a dramatically different setting. Instead of contending, he is on a rebuilding Wizards squad, far from the playoff spotlight. Reports suggest the trade materialized quickly and caught many around the league off guard. Given Washington’s timeline and Davis’ health concerns, he may not see significant action during the 2025–26 campaign.

However, the Wizards’ intentions appear strategic rather than competitive in the short term. By acquiring Davis at his lowest perceived value, the organization is betting it can rehabilitate both his health and reputation. Washington has the flexibility to be patient, allowing him ample recovery time before handing him a featured role next season. When he does return, he’ll join young talent such as Trae Young and other developing pieces, giving the franchise a chance to boost multiple players’ profiles simultaneously. If Davis performs well in a controlled environment, his trade value—or extension case—could rise considerably.

At present, though, his stock remains depressed. Davis was recently labeled one of the league’s most overrated players by Bleacher Report, ranking near the top of that list. The criticism focused on the gap between his salary, reputation, and current output. Once known for routinely posting dominant stat lines—25 points, 12 rebounds, and multiple blocks with apparent ease—he has not maintained that level of production. Now 33, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks this season in Dallas, marking his lowest scoring output since his rookie year in 2012–13.

Feb 8, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) sits on the floor after being fouled during a game against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Defensively, Davis still commands respect. He remains a capable rim protector and interior deterrent, even if he is sometimes reluctant to log heavy minutes at center. Yet his offensive limitations have grown more apparent. His three-point accuracy has dipped to 27 percent this season and sits below 30 percent for his career. That inefficiency forces teams to surround him with reliable floor spacers, complicating roster construction and reducing lineup flexibility. In today’s NBA, where spacing is paramount, that weakness stands out.

Durability is another persistent concern. Aside from the 2023–24 season, when he played a career-high 76 games, Davis has struggled to stay on the court consistently. Since 2020, he has not reached 57 games in a season outside that lone exception. His stint with Dallas was especially limited; he appeared in just 29 contests spanning the latter half of last season and the early portion of this one. The explosive athleticism and shooting rhythm that defined his championship run in the Orlando bubble have not fully resurfaced.

Financially, Davis’ contract presents both a burden and an opportunity for Washington. In the short term, his salary consumes a significant portion of the team’s cap space. Yet his deal is set to expire around this time next year, giving the front office flexibility. If he thrives, they can explore an extension. If not, they can allow the contract to lapse or use it in another transaction. Essentially, the Wizards have positioned themselves to evaluate his fit without committing long term.

Dec 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (right) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

For now, much of this plan remains theoretical. Davis must first regain health and prove he can still anchor a defense and contribute efficiently on offense. But Washington’s low-risk acquisition reflects a broader organizational strategy: buy low, invest patience, and hope to sell high. Whether that gamble pays off will depend on Davis’ ability to defy the narrative that he is past his prime. If he can recapture even a fraction of his former dominance, both he and the Wizards stand to benefit significantly from this reset.