Washington Wizards Rock NBA World with Massive Trade — Just as the Washington Post Guts Its Sports Desk

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) works the floor during an NBA basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The Washington Wizards stunned the sports world with a massive trade on the same day the Washington Post gutted the sports desk that normally would’ve covered it. The Post eventually ran an Associated Press story on the trade.

A day before the NBA’s Thursday trade deadline, top insider Shams Charania reported that the Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks had agreed to a blockbuster trade that included Mavericks star Anthony Davis. He, along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, would be going to the Wizards.

Throughout his career, Davis has been regarded as a top player in the league and one of the best at his position. At the time of writing, the trade looked as though it would be the stunner of the deadline. Last year, that honor was given to the Los Angeles Lakers when they worked out a deal to acquire Luka Doncic from the Mavericks.

Just hours earlier, however, the Washington Post announced a massive round of layoffs that saw the elimination of its entire sports section. Additionally, it was reported that at least a third of the company had been let go.

Because of this, coverage of the trade was entirely absent from the Washington Post’s site. In fact, at the time of writing, the most recent Washington Wizards story was about the team’s Tuesday night loss to the New York Knicks.

More than a few people pointed out the Post’s inability to meet the moment of the blockbuster deal.

The layoffs affected far more than national sports coverage. In a somber statement, High School Sports Editor Michael Errigo announced that local sports coverage would also be coming to an end. Errigo added:

This brings a sudden end to a long and proud tradition of journalism: The Post covered local high school sports for more than 100 years, chronicling countless players and teams across the D.C. area.

Everything we did was a team effort. Our staff often featured college students and recent graduates, young journalists who worked long hours to see as many games and cover as many deserving athletes as the calendar (and the budget) would allow. But our operation was built on community, and none of our work would be possible without you, the readers. Thanks to everyone who submitted a score, sent in some stats, answered a phone call or provided feedback (both good and bad) on a Top 20 ranking. And, of course, thank you for reading.

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