Wizards want longer look at Anthony Davis before extension decision

The Wizards didn’t acquire Anthony Davis just to immediately decide what comes next. They want to see him play with the group they’ve assembled.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, that evaluation could shape whether Davis gets a contract extension or becomes a trade candidate.

“The Wizards basically said, ‘We want to see Anthony Davis play 20 to 30 games, see how he fits with our group, and then we’re going to revisit whether we want to give him a contract extension,’” Windhorst said, via Ricardo Sandoval of Lakers On SI.

That’s the more substantial development amid another round of speculation about Davis returning to the Lakers.

ESPN LA radio personality Scott Kaplan said he overheard reporters discussing Davis’ supposed interest in a reunion. That’s a secondhand account, not a public statement from Davis or evidence that the teams are discussing a deal. Windhorst called a Lakers return “very unlikely.”

The question for Washington is whether Davis makes sense beyond the immediate effort to become competitive. The Wizards are 4-6, with Trae Young and Davis joining a roster that still has considerable development ahead of it.

Davis has already missed time with a sprained ankle. Getting enough games to evaluate how he fits is part of the challenge.

Windhorst indicated a trade would be likely if the sides don’t reach an extension agreement. That makes the next stretch worth watching, without assuming Washington has decided to move him.

The Wizards want more evidence before making another major commitment. Davis’ future could depend on what those games show.