Wizards GM Talks Anthony Davis Contract, Hypes Deandre Ayton, Backs HC Keefe Ahead of NBA Season

As one of the most fascinating teams entering the 2026-27 season because of their range of outcomes, Washington Wizards general manager Will Dawkins met with the media on Thursday to discuss their outlook.

The biggest topic was Anthony Davis not getting a contract extension, at least thus far, but Dawkins expressed no concern about the 10-time All-Star being able to "remind the basketball world who he is."

Dawkins also had positive things to say about the addition of Deandre Ayton, who he called a "starting level center and probably the best backup in the league."

With the Wizards heading into a new era, head coach Brian Keefe is in uncharted territory going into his fourth season after putting together a 43-160 record since taking over midway through the 2023-24 season following Wes Unseld Jr.'s firing.

Dawkins threw his "full confidence" behind Keefe being able to get the Wizards to take a step forward.

One thing that will help Keefe and the Wizards is the return of Alex Sarr, who missed 34 games last season due in part to a toe injury and underwent surgery in June to repair a fractured foot suffered during an offseason workout.

Dawkins said the team anticipates Sarr being ready for opening night, but he will open training camp in a limited capacity.

Davis' contract has been a focal point since the Wizards acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks in February. He didn't appear in a game with Washington after the trade and is entering the final guaranteed year of his current contract with a $58.5 million salary.

The deal also includes a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, but Davis has been eligible to sign an extension for up to four years and $275 million since Aug. 6.

However, the two sides have reportedly agreed to hold off any contract talks until after the season starts.

Washington also acquired Ayton in the offseason to provide more frontcourt depth if Davis misses time. The 28-year-old had a solid 2025-26 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in 72 starts.

Considering Davis has played fewer than 60 games in five of the last six seasons, someone like Ayton offers the Wizards some insurance if he has to take on a bigger role.

Keefe's status is worth monitoring because he has the second-worst winning percentage in NBA history with at least 150 games as a head coach. Much of that lack of success is not his fault because the Wizards weren't set up to compete.

Things look very different for the Wizards going into 2026-27 with a potential starting five featuring Davis, Sarr, Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa and Kyshawn George.

That's not a bad unit to work with when everyone is healthy. Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, and his development is the most important thing for the Wizards this season.

If Davis and Young get back to their All-Star form, there's a world in which the Wizards are competing for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. That would be huge progress for a franchise that has won a total of 50 games over the past three seasons.