Looking good

Earlier rumors suggested that Anthony Davis will be on a different uniform when the new NBA season opens. He hasn’t played since being traded by the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards before the trade deadline last season, opting to let him recover from his injuries.

The 33-year-old 10-time All-Star is due for $58.4 million this season and has a $67.4 million player option for the 2027-2027 season

According to Wizards team president Michael Winger, AD had reportedly communicated to him that he has a “strong interest” to stay with the franchise for the long term and be a part of the rebuilding process. How strong that interest might be remains to be seen and if AD is serious about it, Washington could be in a breakout season.

Trae Young is entering free agency and reportedly wants a long-term deal.Washington likewise wants him locked for a longer time. Things indicate a resolution with both parties getting toward a favorable deal.

Alex Sarr, Washington’s 2nd overall pick in the 2024 Draft, is expected to be ready when the new season opens after undergoing foot surgery. After an inefficient rookie year, Sarr, at 21, is emerging to be one of the NBA’s elite big men. The 7-foot Frenchman had 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2 blocks game averages last season.

AD and Trae are the veteran presence that the young core of Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson and Cam Whitmore need. These guys have an average age of 21 and they have a long way to go.

Washington has the first pick in today’s 2026 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and it could either be one of the top four prospects (not necessarily in this order) – AJ Dybansta, Cameroon Boozer, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson.

Dybansta at 19, is a 6’9” wing and is the NCAA’s scoring champion. Boozer is the son of former NBA player Carlos, is 6’8”, only 18 and is the ACC Player of the Year. Peterson, 19, is a 6’5” guard and reportedly only wants to play with the Wizards. Also 19, Wilson at 6’9” recorded 67 dunks in the NCAA and was one of the best vertical athletes tested in the rookie combine.

Whoever Washington pick adds to the existing young talent they already have and indeed, with AD and Trae if they stay, things look good for the Wizards.