Former Badger guard Johnny Davis was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, just as the NBA deadline came to a close. He and teammate Marvin Bagley III will be sent in exchange for Marcus Smart and a first round pick.
The Wizards are sending Marvin Bagley III to the Grizzlies as part of the deal, sources tell ESPN. Johnny Davis also sent to Memphis. https://t.co/QeEN5HCUGH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Davis will look to jump start his NBA career with a new team
Davis' time in DC will come to a close after a few uneventful seasons. He was drafted by the team in 2022 with the 10th overall pick, but for his career has only averaged 3.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. He'll now head to Memphis, or potentially elsewhere in a buyout, to try and resurrect his NBA career.
The La Crosse, Wisconsin native was a standout player for the Badgers in his two seasons. In his final sophomore season, he averaged 19.7 points per game, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists on his way to Big Ten Player of the Year honors. Davis led the Badgers to a 24-7 record, a Big Ten regular season conference title, and a three seed in the NCAA Tournament.
After a couple of disappointing seasons with the Wizards, Davis now has the chance at a fresh start. If he can recapture the magic and skill he displayed at Wisconsin he should have no trouble finding a home in the NBA for years to come. Davis, along with Micah Potter of the Utah Jazz, are currently the only two former Badgers still playing the NBA.