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DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 06: Cooper Flagg #32 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks block out Clint Capela #30 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on December 06, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
There are a number of considerations at play when it comes to just how far the Warriors will go to provide support to star guard Stephen Curry as he wraps up what has been one of the great careers in the history of the NBA. Curry himself has said he does not want to see the Warriors spill too much of their future on behalf of his present, and indeed, the franchise has been reluctant on that front.
Even in trading for Jimmy Butler, the Warriors were measured in what youth they sent the other way–they gave up the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 draft but got back second-rounders from Miami.
So now that NBA trade season is almost upon us here in mid-December, that’s a fact worth remembering. The Warriors will be open to bringing in star players, but only if it does not cost them much in future assets.
Anthony Davis and Stephen Curry Teaming Up?
That’s one of the intriguing aspects of the mock trade that was put together at ESPN this week, as the site measured the future of oft-injured Mavericks star Anthony Davis. The trade has Davis landing with the Warriors, at a cost that the Dubs would, presumably, find acceptable.
As part of a massive look at what might yet happen to Davis, one of the packages put together by ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton shaped up like this:
Warriors get: Anthony Davis, Mason Plumlee
Mavericks get: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 first-round pick (via Warriors)
Lakers get: Buddy Hield
Hornets get: Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Cash considerations (via Lakers)
Would the Warriors Swap Out Draymond Green?
The question that Pelton first considers for the Warriors is whether the team would be willing to break up the pairing of Curry and Draymond Green, players who have thrived together for 14 years and have been most responsible for changing the culture around what had been a wayward franchise.
The Warriors already let Klay Thompson walk away–would dumping Green be a bridge too far? In sentimental terms, probably. But, basketball-wise, it makes sense given what a healthy Davis can do offensively.
Writes Pelton: “Although Golden State continues to play at a high level with Green on the court, he’s shooting 38% from the field, his lowest mark since his rookie season — worse even than 2019-20, when Curry played just five games during what became a gap year.
“Davis would be the rim threat as a roll man the Warriors have long sought. They could also save money this season by structuring this as a multiteam deal, sending Hield to a third team. In this case, he goes to the rival Lakers to supply the shooting threat they need.”
GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors
Warriors Give Up Limited Future Assets in Anthony Davis Trade
Just as important as Green’s fate, though, is the fact that a Davis deal would allow the Warriors to send Curry off with about as good an ending as he could muster–a trio of Davis, Curry and Butler would be old and injury-prone, but potentially brilliant if they can remain upright.
And the cost in future assets would be minimal. Yes, the Warriors would give up a draft pick but that’s a small price to put Davis with Curry. As for Kuminga, the Warriors are looking to send him packing anyway. Few would miss him if Davis is coming in the return package.
The Warriors also would have Davis under contract for two seasons, and not have much concern about getting him an extension.
It’s a good deal for the Warriors–probably too good, and thus, a longshot.
Sean Deveney is a veteran sports reporter covering the NBA, NFL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has written for Heavy since 2019 and has more than two decades of experience covering the NBA, including 17 years as the lead NBA reporter for the Sporting News. Deveney is the author of 7 nonfiction books, including “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.” More about Sean Deveney
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