Wizards GM on Anthony Davis’s contract situation, praises Deandre Ayton and backs coach Keefe

Will Dawkins, general manager of the Washington Wizards, met with reporters to discuss expectations for the 2026-27 season. The central topic was the lack of a contract extension for Anthony Davis; Dawkins showed no concern about Davis’s ability to return to previous levels. Davis did not play for the Wizards after the trade from the Dallas Mavericks and enters the final year of his guaranteed contract with a salary of $58.5 million; the deal also includes a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. He has been eligible since August 6 for an extension of up to four years and $275 million, but the parties have decided to postpone talks until after the start of the season.

As reported by Bleacher Report, Dawkins expressed enthusiasm about the arrival of Deandre Ayton, describing him as a “starting-caliber center and possibly the best backup in the league.” Ayton had a steady season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in 72 starts, and was considered an addition for frontcourt depth, particularly given Davis’s injury history — he has played fewer than 60 games in five of the last six seasons.

Dawkins also expressed his full support for coach Brian Keefe, who enters his fourth season after taking over mid-season in 2023-24 and has recorded a 43-160 record since. A positive note for the team is the return of center Alex Sarr; he missed 34 games last season due to a toe injury and underwent surgery in June to repair a fracture sustained during an offseason training session. Sarr is expected to be ready for the opening game but will start team training on a limited basis.

Bleacher Report notes that, with a potential starting lineup including Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa and Kyshawn George, the Wizards could be competitive if Davis and Young return to All-Star level. The development of AJ Dybantsa, the first pick of the 2026 draft, remains one of the top priorities for the season, while any improvement would be significant for an organization that has won only 50 games over the last three seasons.