How Wizards getting No. 1 pick could change Anthony Davis saga

Washington will draft whoever it deems the best player available between the aforementioned prospects on June 23, regardless of their on-court fit with Davis. But if that player compliments the veteran superstar, then the latter individual may change his tune about his future in the nation’s capital.

For instance, either Dybantsa or Peterson could share the starting lineup with Davis next year, but it would be a different story with Boozer. The latter player would likely come off the bench with Davis starting next to Sarr at power forward and center, in either order. Therefore, it would be awkward to extend Davis with Boozer as the long-term cornerstone.

However, Dybantsa could play small forward with Young at point guard and George at shooting guard, or Peterson at shooting guard with George at small forward. Assuming that the Wizards extend Young this offseason, they could sell Davis on staying long-term with that squad in addition to other win-now pieces after next season.

Team president Michael Winger said on Jan. 22 that the organization will evaluate which of its young players “will make material contributions to our eventual contention, and which will make their most meaningful contributions somewhere else” over the next six-to-18 months. Two weeks later, Washington shipped out guards AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham in the Davis trade, who were first-round picks in 2024 and 2022, respectively.

That won’t be the last time the Wizards consolidate their young players into one or two veteran pieces. Including Sarr, George, and Johnson, they have 12 players who will be 25 or younger to start next season, and the lottery prospect will be the 13th. There are only so many available rotation spots, which is why Washington eventually must decide which ones to keep.

If Davis likes the team’s inevitable consolidation moves, he could sacrifice the chance of winning a title next season for being on a championship-contending Wizards squad in 2027-28 and beyond. It’ll take financial gymnastics for the front office to fit Young, Davis, Sarr, George, and possibly more contract extensions under the salary cap long-term, but that’s not a current issue.

For now, the organization can look forward to adding a transformational talent in June and having its young core learn from Davis. The Chicago native opened up to ClutchPoints about how much he’s enjoyed working with Sarr during his exit interview.

“Alex is really good. He’s young, has the same capabilities as me…I just found out three days ago that I’m one of his favorite players and he watched me all the time,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Why didn’t you tell me this earlier? We’ve been working.’ But he’s really skilled. He can play both ends of the floor, shoot the basketball, put it on the floor. His defensive capabilities are unmatched. He can guard one through five, protect the rim, pick-and-roll. It’s been great to work with him and show him some moves and talk him through some things. He’s like a sponge; he asks questions. It’s gonna be beneficial for him and the team…”

Sarr averaged 16.3 points on 48.2% shooting (33.3% 3-point) with 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and two blocks over 27.2 minutes last season despite playing most of his games without Young and all of them without Davis. The 21-year-old exemplifies a young Wizard who could take a leap next season as he finally plays with All-Stars.

Regardless, Washington has flexibility. Davis could either be with the championship version of the team or traded for someone who will be, but he’ll help its young core develop either way.