The Golden State Warriors are swinging for the fences. Golden State is attempting to trade for Wizards big Anthony Davis and then sign Lakers free agent LeBron James, according to Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, citing multiple league sources.
The framework is complicated. Any Davis trade would likely have to include Jimmy Butler, who is on an expiring $57MM contract while recovering from a torn ACL, plus draft capital from the two future firsts and four swaps Golden State can offer. The hope, per O’Connor, is that landing Davis helps lure James from Los Angeles to reunite with AD and team up with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr for one last title chase.
James won an Olympic gold medal alongside Curry, Davis, and Kerr in 2024 and has said his fit with Curry felt effortless. With the Lakers yet to make James an offer, per Shams Charania, and free agency opening June 30, a move is plausible, especially with Rich Paul noting 10 to 12 teams have inquired about James.
Still, real doubt surrounds it. Washington has signaled it wants to keep Davis after re-signing Trae Young, and Davis becomes eligible for a four-year, $275MM extension on Aug. 6 that would reset if he is traded. It is fair to question whether an injured, 37-year-old Butler holds much appeal for a Wizards team trying to win now, which could force a third team into any deal.
Butler, for his part, said he wants to stay but understands the business, noting the Warriors must do what helps them win fastest. Golden State may also face competition, as the Trail Blazers could pivot to Davis after missing on Giannis Antetokounmpo, potentially driving up Washington’s price.
The analysis is simple: Golden State has whiffed on stars before, from Durant to Giannis to Leonard, and this is another high-risk swing with Curry’s window shrinking. It is worth noting James has been linked elsewhere too, as we covered when reports surfaced that he could return to Miami after the Giannis trade. Whether the Warriors assemble the oldest superteam ever or chase another trade-machine fantasy, the ambition is unmistakable.
