So Davis was just traded for three expiring contracts (Middleton, Brahham, Bagley), one very unproven prospect (Johnson), the OKC 2026 1st rounder (30), a top-20 protected pick in 2030 from the Warriors, and 3 second rounders.

The Celtics do not have expirings that add up to that amount, but they do have a couple veterans with positive value. If they offered White, Hauser, Vooch (SnT for 10m a year over 2 years), that would be comparable value to what the Wizards traded to get him.

White, Hauser, Vooch > Middleton, Branham, Bagley, Johnson, two late firsts, and 3 seconds

By my math, they would be under the tax line and with some maneuvering, could stay there.

I don't really want Anthony Davis, but there's no doubt that if he stayed healthy, he'd be a great fit next to the Js on both sides of the court. It's a good upside trade similar to the Porzingis trade a few years ago (with the same team).

For the Wizards, they get a good guard to pair with Young, and a decent quality big to play with Sarr while they continue their rebuild around their young. If they want, they can continue to rehab players like Young and White, and then trade them for more pieces at the deadline. It's probably easier to trade White, Hauser, and Vooch, than to trade Davis' massive contract.