Are Golden State Warriors Still Interested in Anthony Davis?
Are the Golden State Warriors still interested in Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis? Read on for further information, so you can make an informed decision, and find out how the trade talks are going, and the implications of what a Davis trade would mean.
How the Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Trade Talk Is Going
The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly attempting to find a trade for Anthony Davis before the NBA’s February 5th trade deadline, but to no avail at the time of writing. Davis’ trade value took a hit after suffering a hand injury against the Utah Jazz on January 8th, a heartbreaking 116-114 loss at the Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City.
His injury is expected to keep him out of the Mavericks’ starting lineup until at least late February. The Mavs’ reported attempt to find a trade partner for Davis, 32, appears to be more difficult than easy. All of the NBA teams are well-aware of his extensive injury history, his massive contract, his desire for a new contract, and his age.
The Implications of Atlanta and Toronto’s Interest
The Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors appear to be the most interested in him, but what about the Golden State Warriors? If the Warriors had any interest in him, they don’t anymore.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Anthony Slate recently discussed him and the Warriors on the latest episode of the Warriors Stock Report podcast.
“I have thought for a while that Anthony Davis made a lot of sense for the Warriors,” Bontemps said. “And that was the move that I could see them making that would have potentially solved a lot of issues all at once. However, that is now off the board, I would say. It might be on the board for other teams.”
“I sense zero appetite for that right now from the Warriors,” Slater said. “Not only trading for a guy, but you would very likely trade Draymond Green in that scenario. And it’s like imagine trading Draymond Green for a guy who, like, ‘He might be back around playoff time.'”
Mavericks Running Out of Options to Trade Davis
It has always been difficult to trade Davis to the Warriors, but there’s a possibility the Warriors could have discussed a Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis pairing with the Mavericks.
The Mavs are prioritizing expiring contracts and draft picks in a trade back for Davis, and perhaps a young player, if possible. But finding a team willing to give up appears to be impossible at the moment.
The Hawks have been rumored for about a week as willing to give up Zaccharie Risacher in a trade back to Davis, but the rumors significantly decreased over the past few weeks.
The Raptors have some interest in Davis, but the contracts of Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl likely won’t interest the Mavericks.
Next Steps
Davis will not require surgery on his injured hand after a second opinion with specialist Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, California. As a result, he’ll be re-evaluated in six weeks, league sources told ESPN. He’ll likely return sooner than expected. However, his arguably unrealistic demand can put the Mavs’ trade plan in jeopardy.
The Raptors have explored the cost of trading for him, but the timing remains the main issue. If the Raptors add him, an immediate push will clash with durability concerns given his recent performance. In addition, a full commitment could reach $275 million, and even a reduced term below his maximum will carry heavy exposure due to his age and health.
The Raptors can trade for him by the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but they’d anchor a significant share of future payroll to just one veteran and limit their flexibility at a crucial stage of roster construction. But the Raptors’ strongest salary-matching package could pry him out of Dallas, Texas. We’ll see.
