Looking for a spark that could potentially elevate them to being a title contender in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors are keeping an eye on Anthony Davis.
Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, Golden State is “contemplating” a pitch to the Dallas Mavericks for Davis, but the Mavs are “not that fascinated” with what the Warriors have to offer and would likely require them to either involve a third team or find a way to improve their asset pool for anything to happen.
The Warriors figure to be scouring the market for any big men who might become available. Their lack of size was considered a potential issue coming into the season, and that has borne out thus far.
Quinten Post has provided a nice boost so far that has earned him more playing time. He has the 11th-best individual defensive rating of any player in the NBA, leading to head coach Steve Kerr putting him in the starting lineup for each of the past eight games.
Al Horford’s return on Christmas Day adds more depth for the Warriors, but he has to be used in more of a specialty role at this stage of his career.
Even though the Warriors have control of its first-round draft picks through 2032, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said in the offseason the team was being “more protective” of those selections than normal because they are cognizant that Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning.
Dunleavy did add that the Warriors are “going to be in the game” for any impact players who might become available, but they might be more selective about how to use their picks given that they have the second-oldest roster in the NBA this season.
The Mavs haven’t made public their asking price for Davis, though it can be assumed they would want draft assets involved since they don’t control their first-round selections between 2027 to ’30.
Davis’ value is also hard to parse out because of his age, injury history and contract. He has only played in 25 out of 65 games with the Mavericks since being acquired as part of the Luka Dončić in February. The 10-time All-Star is owed $58.5 million next season and has a $62.8 million player option for 2026-27.
Given where the Mavs are in their timeline with Cooper Flagg quickly becoming their best player, trading Davis while he still has positive value would make sense.
The Warriors’ need for an impact big man would make them an ideal fit for Davis, as long as they could put together the right offer to get Dallas to say yes.