After being eliminated in the Play-In tournament and missing the 2026 playoffs, the Golden State Warriors entered the NBA Draft Lottery. The Warriors ended up with the 11th overall pick in the draft. 

Golden State has many options for what to do with the pick. They could draft the next wing to replace Jimmy Butler III's production, since he will not see the court much in 2026-2027. 

They may draft a guard to be the successor to Stephen Curry, or, as Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote, the Warriors could trade their pick away in exchange for an established veteran. 

Buckley listed out details of a potential draft-day trade in which Wizards forward Anthony Davis gets traded to Golden State in exchange for Jimmy Butler II, the 11th overall pick, and a 2024 first-round pick swap that is protected from picks 21-30. 

With the 11th overall pick, the Wizards would be picking Tennessee forward Nate Ament. Ament is a 6'10 forward who can provide a lot of versatility on the wing. Ament's long frame makes him a solid defender and allows him to get open looks when he attacks the paint on offense. 

As for Golden State, the team would be getting a player who is very good when healthy but struggles to stay on the court. Anthony Davis played just 20 games this season. 

While Davis is a talented player on both ends, his injury history is something to look out for. In 2025-2026, Davis averaged 20.4 points per game, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. 

With the Warriors' championship window fading thanks to the eventual departure of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, pursuing a veteran difference-maker could be a strategy the franchise takes this summer. 

Golden State seems to be entering a season in which it may be its final opportunity to make a deep playoff run and compete for a championship.

Stephen Curry is entering the final year of his contract; Draymond Green will likely return for one more season after renewing his player option; and head coach Steve Kerr just signed a two-year extension with the team in May. 

Anthony Davis can be a player who could contribute to a veteran-led Warriors team if he can stay healthy. Davis is still a disruptor around the rim and can space the floor, something the Warriors offense lives off. 

There is uncertainty that the Warriors will be able to keep either Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford, but Anthony Davis could be a suitable replacement for both players. While giving up two first-round picks is a lot, going all in to get the most out of Stephen Curry's final years is something Golden State may be prioritizing this summer.