Overview
- An ESPN insiders poll published Thursday put Anthony Davis first and Kyrie Irving second among players most likely to request trades before the 2026–27 season.
- The Wizards publicly deferred substantive extension talks for Davis and framed the early regular season as an evaluation window that will shape whether they pursue a long-term deal.
- Davis is reported to want a near-maximum four-year extension worth roughly $270–$275 million and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28, a structure that complicates trade markets.
- Kyrie Irving remains on trade watch while rehabbing an ACL tear from March 2025 and carries a $42.4 million player option for 2027–28, creating uncertainty about his availability and fit.
- Key signs to follow are early-season health and performance, whether Washington reopens extension talks, and how the team balances big veteran costs against young assets such as top pick AJ Dybantsa before the trade deadline.