Anthony Davis will not participate in another NBA game this season as he focuses on recovery from his hand and groin injuries, as reported by Chris Haynes.

Davis was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards on February 4, in a surprising move given the lack of favorable returns for the Mavericks. It was apparent the Mavs were looking to accelerate the arrival of the Cooper Flagg era. This illuminated the pain surrounding Davis’ previous association with the Mavericks, particularly as a reminder of what they surrendered—Luka Doncic—to acquire him.

Davis will join a rebuilding Wizards team, but the expected debut alongside Trae Young won’t happen until the next season. After suffering ligament damage in his left hand on January 10, reports indicated that he might return this season, with conflicting accounts about the need for surgery. After seeking a second opinion, he declined surgery, leaving a potential return open as late as February or March.

Currently, the Wizards are playing it safe with their newly acquired star, opting not to risk further injuries. Though fans will have to wait for Davis to return to the court, he is already looking to dispel negative assumptions surrounding his move to Washington.

“The visit’s been great,” Davis expressed on his impressions of the Wizards as he met with owner Ted Leonsis and president Zach Leonsis. “They definitely welcomed me with open arms. It’s different from the stigma that they are not a good team.”

In following up on his rumored discontent regarding the Wizards, Davis stated, “They said I said a lot of stuff in the other city, too, that I didn’t say.”

While contemplating the future with the Wizards, he refrained from making any irreversible decisions at this point.

“It’s hard to say I would definitely stay in D.C. without the proper plan,” Davis remarked, highlighting the challenges this season presents. He acknowledges that progress hinges on improvements to the team roster.

With two years remaining on his current contract including a whopping $62.7 million player option for the 2027-28 season, the Mavericks were hesitant to extend an offer to the frequently injured Davis. Moving to the Wizards may shift discussions on a contract extension to a later date, pending the franchise’s commitment to building a competitive team.

“I need to talk with [general manager] Will Dawkins and Ted, Zach to clarify what the plan is, and then go from there,” remarked Davis, emphasizing the need for clarity as he navigates his career decisions amidst the Wizards’ current direction.

Davis’ peak performance shows him capable of being one of the league’s standout two-way players, and with his past successes, both Davis and Young could potentially lead the Wizards back to playoff contention, provided his health holds up.