Warriors’ Anthony Davis Dream Remains Just That—A Dream
The Golden State Warriors have long harbored a quiet fascination with Anthony Davis, the 10-time All-Star whose arrival could theoretically transform their roster and give Stephen Curry one last legitimate shot at a championship. But as the NBA trade deadline (February 5) approaches, multiple insiders confirm what many suspected: the interest is theoretical, not tactical. There is no active pursuit, and no realistic path exists.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that while the Warriors have “held a longstanding fondness” for Davis and have had “internal discussions” about pursuing him, the idea remains stalled six weeks from the deadline. The combination of Davis’ massive contract, injury history, and Dallas’ complete lack of interest in Golden State’s available assets has killed any momentum.
Stein emphasized: “The Warriors have no realistic pathway to acquire Davis unless they are also willing to part with Jimmy Butler or franchise fixture Draymond Green.”
The Financial and Asset Roadblocks
Davis’ deal is a major obstacle. He will earn $58.5 million next season and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He is also eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August. Matching that salary requires a direct swap with Jimmy Butler ($54.1 million), but Butler is older, has durability concerns, and does not fit Dallas’ timeline built around 19-year-old rookie phenom Cooper Flagg and younger long-term pieces.
Other Warriors assets fall far short:
Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski are intriguing but their salaries combined don’t come close.The Warriors control up to four tradable first-round picks, but draft capital alone is insufficient for Dallas to part with a star like Davis.
NBA insider Chris Haynes was blunt: “I was told they’re contemplating making a case to acquire Anthony Davis… but Dallas was not that fascinated with what Golden State has on its books.”
Davis’ Injury History Adds Pause
Since arriving in Dallas in February 2024 as part of the Luka Dončić trade, Davis has played in just 25 of 65 games. His injury woes have been well-documented—missing time with various ailments—and that history has given Golden State additional reason for caution.
Warriors Unwilling to Sacrifice Core Pieces
ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel added that Golden State is not inclined to include either Draymond Green or Kuminga in any Davis package: “If the Warriors truly look to pursue Anthony Davis, they would do so attempting to put something together around Jimmy Butler, while maintaining Jonathan Kuminga for separate additions. Golden State isn’t trading Draymond Green unless Steph [Curry], [Steve] Kerr, and [Joe] Lacob all green-light it.”
The Harsh Reality
For now, the Davis idea remains firmly in the “internal discussion” phase rather than active pursuit. It’s another reminder of how constrained the Warriors’ options have become—limited assets, complicated contracts, and a shrinking window around Curry’s prime. As the dynasty fades, landing a transformational star like Davis looks increasingly out of reach.
The Warriors will likely stay the course or make smaller moves at the deadline. For now, the Anthony Davis dream remains just that—a dream.