The Golden State Warriors might need Anthony Davis.
The Golden State Warriors have spent their offseason re-signing some key potential free agents, bringing back Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and De'Anthony Melton.
The Warriors are still waiting on a decision from LeBron James, who has been linked to the team since the start of free agency, even before he informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he wouldn't be returning.
Waiting on LeBron has influenced much of Golden State's decision-making since the start of the offseason, as they didn't match the Memphis Grizzlies' offer for Quinten Post and have yet to re-sign Draymond Green, who is still an unrestricted free agent after declining his player option.
All In On Anthony Davis?
The Warriors reportedly were going to, or have made, attempts to trade for Anthony Davis to strengthen their case for LeBron.
Davis and LeBron spent six years together in Los Angeles, winning an NBA Championship in 2020.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Warriors don't believe that LeBron is their top choice unless they are able to bring in Davis.
A deal for Davis would have to center around Jimmy Butler to ensure the money matches, and a number of draft picks. The Warriors don't have an enticing young player that is likely on the Wizards' radar, and Butler will miss a portion of the season after suffering an ACL tear in January.
The Warriors could try to get a third team involved that may offer Washington a more valuable player than Butler, but they will likely be parting with multiple first-round picks in any deal for Davis.
Should They Do It?
As the team is currently constructed, they are a play-in team at best. Even assuming health, which should not be assumed given who they have on the roster, they are not a championship contender.
Davis might not help their health issues, and LeBron will be 42 in December, but having those two on the roster puts them closer to a championship than they currently are.
They would be trading away their future, and the rebuilding process could be painful, but in the final years of Steph Curry, the fanbase wants to see the team load up for one more run with the greatest player in franchise history.
Of course, they should only acquire Davis if they have a guarantee that LeBron will be joining them. There is no reason to trade their future for Davis when he doesn't put you over the top as a title contender.
