The real reason the Mavericks traded Anthony Davis for this package isn't surprising

The Antonio Davies era in Dallas will never be forgotten. Huh? Oh right, Anthony Davis. Sorry. After just 29 games, AD was dealt to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday in an eight-player deal. Of course, he was the centerpiece in the deal, and Mavericks fans (understandably) aren't thrilled with the return because it's impossible to separate this deal from the Luka Doncic deal a year ago.

But looking at this deal on its own merits, it's no surprise that the Mavs took this specific package from the Wizards. Firstly, it takes Davis' contract off the books, which in itself will save the Mavericks about $120 million.

It also gets them off Jaden Hardy's deal, which has two more years after this season, and D'Angelo Russell's (which includes a player option for next year). That's not bad maneuvering from the co-interim GMs, despite how silly a job title that is to type.

Nohthing about this deal will comfort fans too much, and I don't expect it to. But the team's goal was clear here; get off negative assets, add some draft capital, and take some upside swings on young players.

Mavericks clean up their cap sheet with Davis deal

In place of three guys whose deals could continue on after this year, the Mavericks added Khris Middleton's expiring deal, Marvin Bagley III's expiring deal, AJ Johnson (who will be on a club option next year), and Malaki Branham, who will be a restricted free agent.

Neither Johnson nor Branham is likely to turn into a star; but if they don't, the Mavericks won't be beholden to their contracts for too long into the future. And say one of them does! Johnson was a first-round pick in 2024, and Branham in 2022. Again, I don't expect Mavericks fans to be giddy about two throw-ins to a trade, especially when that trade is two degrees of separation away from Luka Doncic. But this is where we are!

These might feel like small changes, but the Mavs parting with three negative assets for two expiring deals and two young players who are under team control for a while is solid front office work.

A historically bad trade can't be erased by a fine trade. But this deal, on its face, is a fine deal for the Mavs. Davis is dealing with yet another long-term injury, and the Mavericks had no leverage in any conversations. It could be worse. Maybe.