NBA Notes: Wizards, Anthony Davis, Knicks, Jose Alvarado, Blazers

Wizards

The Wizards are expected to take the long view with Anthony Davis.

Davis, acquired from the Mavericks ahead of the deadline, is likely to sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he recovers from groin and hand injuries, league sources tell NBA insider Chris Haynes.

The hand injury alone was expected to sideline him for much of February, if not longer, and Davis has been managing multiple issues dating back to last season.

That injury history played a role in how Dallas approached the market. Several teams showed interest earlier in the year, but some cooled once the health questions resurfaced, opening the door for Washington to strike.

The Wizards are in no rush. Sitting Davis aligns with their incentive to protect a top-eight–protected 2026 first-round pick while continuing a broader rebuild.

Trae Young, acquired last month, still hasn’t debuted and is expected to remain out through the All-Star break.

Davis, for his part, is keeping an open mind. In a phone interview with The Athletic’s David Aldridge, he said his visit with Wizards ownership and the front office was “great,” but acknowledged he wants clarity.

“At this point in my career, I want to compete for a championship,” Davis said. “Whether that’s here or elsewhere, I have no idea.”

Knicks

Knicks head coach Mike Brown didn’t hide his enthusiasm for new guard Jose Alvarado.

“He just brings a level of toughness,” Brown said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “His energy is unmatched. What he can do defensively, his pace, his ability to touch the paint and make others better. We want to play fast, and he fits.”

Brown added that Alvarado shoots better than he’s often given credit for and believes his presence will help push the Knicks into their offense more consistently.

Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers stood mostly pat at the deadline, and that was just fine with the players.

“There’s a little bit of tension,” interim coach Tiago Splitter said, per Joe Freeman of the Oregonian. “But I’m glad everybody’s back. Everybody’s happy to be here.”

Portland did add Vit Krejci, who will compete for minutes, and is finally getting Scoot Henderson back after a hamstring injury.

With Deni Avdija nearing a return as well, the Blazers expect a more settled rotation down the stretch.

“We’ve still got about 30 games left,” Splitter said. “Hopefully, this is the normal for us from now on.”