After a hot start to the season, the Golden State Warriors have come crashing back down to Earth. They’re eighth in the Western Conference with an 8-6 record.
Despite adding Al Horford during the offseason, the Warriors are still short of size in the front court, and could use a talented rebounder, rim-protector and interior scorer. That’s why CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes Golden State is the ideal landing spot for Anthony Davis, if the Dallas Mavericks are willing to answer the phone.
“The fit is pretty straightforward,” Quinn explained. “Davis is the rim-protector and lob catcher the Warriors have wanted forever. They would’ve been thrilled if James Wiseman had been half of the player Anthony Davis is. He can play in their switch-y defense. He’s a capable enough ball-handler and passer to function in Golden State’s unconventional offense. He’d be Stephen Curry’s best teammate since Kevin Durant. This is the team that can look at Davis and say “getting him might be the difference between a championship or bust.”
Of course, Davis’ injury history and lack of availability since landing in Dallas will be a concern. He’s in the first year of a three-year $175 million deal and is earning $54.1 million for the current season. That’s a lot of money to pay someone who has struggled to remain on the court since winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Warriors Could Trade Jimmy Butler For Davis
In the same article from Quinn, he floated Jimmy Butler as a logical trade piece for the Warriors. Butler’s $54.1 million salary would make salary-matching for Davis pretty straightforward. However, Golden State would likely need to sweeten the pot with either a young talent or a future draft pick.
Quinn also noted how Butler could be re-routed to a third team if the Mavericks wanted to lean into a full-scale rebuild.
“Either Dallas would take Butler and some picks, or Golden State would have to find a third team,” Quinn wrote. “As Miami learned last year, that wouldn’t exactly be easy. Is Phoenix still interested? The Suns seem happy with their lower-maintenance squad this season. Milwaukee is intriguing given their need for a wing, and they have a bit of room to make an unbalanced trade financially, but his iffy shooting isn’t an ideal fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
Butler has made a sizeable impact since landing in the Bay Area. As such, it’s hard to envision the franchise parting with him, especially this season.
Warriors Aren’t Expected To Target Davis
In a recent article by Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard, he noted how the Warriors and Davis have likely missed their shot to form a partnership.
“The Warriors have daydreamed about Davis for years, so anything is possible, especially with Dallas possibly approaching selloff mode,” Kawakami wrote. “But the AD/Warriors moment likely has passed,” he continued. “Davis is an old 32 — often hurt, currently hurt, and Dallas just fired the guy who made the worst trade in recent NBA history to acquire him last season. The Warriors don’t need to add anybody that expensive and that prone to miss a month at any time.”
Davis is a highly talented forward. He can play the four or the five and give the Warriors something they’re missing. Nevertheless, his injury history and high salary are likely roadblocks.
Golden State would be better served looking elsewhere for reinforcements.
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