Warriors Still Eyeing Anthony Davis After Missing on LeBron
The Golden State Warriors ended up empty-handed in their pursuit of LeBron James, but they may still land a major star. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. claims the team is aggressively working the phones to acquire a difference-maker, though no deal has materialized yet. According to Sports Illustrated's Blake Silverman, the Warriors could still keep tabs on Anthony Davis' situation in Washington.
Silverman wrote: "The Wizards likely want to at least try the Anthony Davis experiment, but there's a world where a team like Golden State gets desperate enough to improve the roster and offers a package general manager Will Dawkins can't turn down."
Davis will reportedly give the Wizards an opportunity to prove they can compete before signing a contract extension. If Washington fails to endear itself to him, the Warriors could swoop in. Silverman added: "One or multiple future Warriors first-round picks that could come when the franchise potentially bottoms out post-Steph Curry is enticing. Davis is eligible for an extension, which will presumedly remain unresolved for some time when you consider his injury troubles."
The Warriors reportedly inquired about Davis when they were trying to lure LeBron, as reuniting him with his former Lakers teammate would have boosted their championship hopes. They didn't land James, but getting Davis, arguably the best two-way big man of his generation, remains an enticing possibility.
Davis's Contract and the Wizards' Situation
Anthony Davis is under contract with the Washington Wizards on a 3-year, $175.4 million extension, with a salary cap hit of $58.46 million for the 2026-27 season. He is eligible for a new 4-year, $275 million deal. Davis will be a free agent at the end of the season and has discussed wanting to explore his options. The main sticking point: he wants to see if the Wizards can win and become relevant in the NBA before committing long-term.
Washington built its rebuild around pairing Trae Young with Davis and developing big man Alex Sarr. The plan depends on Davis staying healthy and buying into a young roster, something he has reportedly shown some hesitation about. The Wizards hope to keep Davis as a successful long-term fixture, but there is a strong chance they trade him this season if the team struggles.
Silverman listed the teams most interested in Davis if the Wizards decide to move him: "Potential suitors: Warriors, Rockets, Nets, Hornets. A trade partner would just need to be able to stomach the enormous amount left on his current contract. Davis has yet to make his Wizards debut after the Dallas Mavericks dealt him to Washington at last season's deadline. That brings an assumption that Washington wanted to use Davis, but what if the franchise has a change of heart after the lottery luck which landed AJ Dybantsa?"
The Houston Rockets were listed right after the Warriors as the two teams most likely to make a big trade for Davis. Golden State has been linked to Davis since the end of the season, but Houston might need to struggle before pulling the trigger on such a significant move.
Why Houston Would Want Davis
Only two of the listed teams have championship aspirations. Golden State badly needs more talent to support Stephen Curry (and a hopefully returning Jimmy Butler). Houston stands out as a more surprising potential suitor since they already have superstar Kevin Durant and All-Star center Alperen Sengun. A trade could materialize if the Rockets struggle and realize the roster needs real changes to win playoff series. Durant could be involved, possibly heading to his hometown team, or a younger talent like Jabari Smith would have to be sacrificed.
Davis prefers to play power forward, so he would welcome teaming with Sengun, who could man the center spot. That fit makes Houston a logical landing spot if the Rockets decide to shake things up.
Warriors' Current Roster and Other Targets
The Warriors risk entering the season with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg as the only new addition to the roster. They went all in on LeBron James in free agency and had no backup plans, leaving Dunleavy working the phones without a notable acquisition yet.
New Orleans Pelicans star Trey Murphy is another trade target mentioned for Golden State, but the Warriors are not willing to meet the asking price of three first-round draft picks. That leaves Davis as a more viable—if complicated—option.
A hypothetical trade structure would have Golden State receive Davis, with Washington receiving Jimmy Butler and future Warriors first-round pick(s). Butler's inclusion would be about mechanics, as his salary bridges the gap for Davis's hefty contract. Such a deal could include a third team if needed.
The Boston Celtics could also make a play for Davis if they are unsatisfied with Mitchell Robinson as their starting center, though that scenario appears less likely at this point.