Anthony Davis could become a free agent in 2027, and although that would typically signal that it’s time to start negotiating an extension, the center and the Wizards have no intention of pursuing one. According to Shams Charania, ESPN’s reporter, both sides have decided to postpone that discussion until the regular season begins, giving themselves time to assess their level of satisfaction since, despite arriving in February, the center has yet to make his debut for the capital franchise.
Reporting for NBA Today on the Wizards and Anthony Davis deciding to wait until the regular season to navigate a potential contract extension: pic.twitter.com/9PRGnoujQe
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 6, 2026
Charania specifically mentions a window of about 20 games, a timeframe in which Davis’s physical condition, his fit within the roster, and the team’s potential can begin to be defined. It will be then that both sides have a clearer sense of their future wishes, though, given that AD holds a player option worth $62 million for the 2027-28 season, he may end up choosing to postpone everything by a year.
The center doesn’t appear particularly excited about ending up in Washington, a sentiment made evident by the contrast between his attitude and statements and those of Trae Young, who has fully embraced his new franchise. Nevertheless, this could change if, with the new acquisitions and AJ Dybantsa’s No. 1 pick in the Draft, the project starts to take off. For the first time in years, this season promises to be exciting for the Wizards, and a strong start could help convince Davis that he is in the right place.
At the same time, the franchise will want to assess the performance of a player who appeared in 22 games during the 2025-26 season and who carries a well-documented injury history. Right now it seems difficult to gauge how much AD can contribute on the court, and the only way to offer him a contract commensurate with his true level is to give him at least a quarter of the season to prove it. Then, if everyone is satisfied, the time will come to sit down and talk.
