The Golden State Warriors, perennial contenders in the NBA, are reportedly setting their sights on one of the most coveted players in the league—Los Angeles Lakers’ star forward, Anthony Davis. The potential move, if it materializes, would not only shake up the dynamic between the two teams in the Western Conference but also pose significant questions about the Warriors’ future direction, especially as they look to extend their championship window. However, this comes amid stern warnings from the Warriors’ cornerstone, Stephen Curry, whose leadership on and off the court has helped define the franchise’s success over the past decade.
The Warriors’ Pursuit of Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis, the 6-foot-10 forward who has made a name for himself as one of the league’s most dominant two-way players, is currently locked into a significant deal with the Lakers. With an annual salary north of $40 million, Davis represents a huge financial commitment for any team looking to acquire him. However, the Warriors’ potential interest in the 30-year-old star has created ripples in NBA circles, especially considering the team’s current roster and salary cap dynamics.
The Warriors’ core is aging, with Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all entering the later stages of their careers. Despite this, the team is still highly competitive, with a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents like Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors’ front office, led by Bob Myers, has always been known for making bold moves that defy conventional wisdom, and their pursuit of Davis seems to be no different.
Davis has long been linked to the Warriors in trade rumors, especially after the Lakers’ struggles in the post-LeBron James era. While the Lakers have stabilized somewhat in recent seasons, they remain in a state of flux, with questions about the long-term future of Davis and his fit alongside LeBron. This uncertainty has opened the door for teams like the Warriors to potentially strike.
A trade for Davis would require a significant roster shakeup, and the Warriors would likely need to part ways with key players. The most logical candidates for a trade would include rising stars like Kuminga or Poole, who have both shown flashes of brilliance but are not yet established stars at the level of Davis. Additionally, the Warriors would likely need to offer multiple future draft picks to sweeten the deal for the Lakers.
Financial Implications: The $101M Star Forward
Anthony Davis is one of the most financially valuable players in the NBA. As of 2025, his contract runs through the 2027-2028 season, with a player option for 2028-2029. His salary is projected to exceed $40 million per year, and a trade for Davis would have significant cap implications for any team involved.
For the Warriors, this would be a delicate balancing act. The team already has a sizable financial commitment to its core players, particularly Curry, Thompson, and Green. Adding another max-level contract could put them in a difficult position under the salary cap, especially given that they would likely need to give up significant assets to acquire Davis. While the Warriors have historically shown a willingness to spend heavily to stay competitive, their financial flexibility would be tested by such a deal.
Additionally, the Warriors would need to consider the long-term implications of a trade for Davis. While Davis is still in his prime, his injury history is a concern. He has missed significant time in recent seasons due to various ailments, including Achilles, calf, and groin injuries. The Warriors would need to weigh the risk of acquiring a player with a history of injuries against the potential reward of adding a player of Davis’ caliber.
From a financial standpoint, the Warriors would also need to navigate the luxury tax implications of adding a player with a $40+ million salary. While the team has been willing to pay the luxury tax in the past, this would require careful maneuvering to avoid a prohibitive tax bill that could significantly impact the team’s long-term financial health.
Stephen Curry’s Warning: A Leadership Dilemma
Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ face of the franchise and arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history, has long been the leader both on and off the court. His influence over the team’s direction has been undeniable, and any major move involving the Warriors’ roster—especially a high-profile trade for someone like Anthony Davis—would likely need to be discussed with Curry at length.
However, reports suggest that Curry has expressed reservations about the Warriors pursuing Davis. Curry, who has built his legacy alongside Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of team chemistry. The trio, often referred to as the “Splash Brothers” with Green as the heart and soul of the defense, has been the backbone of Golden State’s dynasty. Curry’s warning centers on the potential disruption that a trade for a player like Davis could cause.
Curry’s concerns are valid. The Warriors’ chemistry has been integral to their success. The team has always prided itself on unselfish ball movement, strong defense, and a unique team-first mentality. Bringing in a high-usage star like Davis could upset this delicate balance, especially if Davis struggles to fit into the Warriors’ system. Additionally, Curry’s leadership would be put to the test as he would need to ensure that Davis, a former No. 1 overall pick with a well-established role as a dominant force, would integrate smoothly with the existing roster.
Furthermore, Curry has built a rapport with his current teammates, and the addition of a star like Davis would create new dynamics in the locker room. Curry is known for his unselfish approach to leadership, but managing egos—particularly with a player like Davis, who has been the focal point of the Lakers’ offense—could prove challenging.
The Case for Davis: Why the Warriors Should Pursue Him
Despite the concerns, there are several compelling reasons why the Warriors should pursue Anthony Davis. First and foremost, Davis would immediately upgrade the Warriors’ defense. While the team has been known for its high-scoring offense, its defense has been inconsistent at times, especially with the aging Green and Thompson unable to lock down opposing players as they once did. Davis, as one of the league’s best shot blockers and an elite rim protector, would give the Warriors a defensive anchor to pair with the offensive prowess of Curry, Thompson, and Poole.
Additionally, Davis would provide the Warriors with a legitimate second option behind Curry. The Warriors have struggled at times to find a consistent second star who can create their own shot and take pressure off Curry in critical moments. Davis, with his post moves, mid-range jumper, and ability to stretch the floor, would fit perfectly into the Warriors’ offensive system.
Finally, a trade for Davis would send a message to the rest of the league that the Warriors are still in win-now mode. Despite their aging core, the Warriors are still capable of competing for championships. Adding Davis would give them another legitimate superstar who could help extend their championship window.
Potential Trade Scenarios
If the Warriors do decide to pursue Davis, several trade scenarios could be explored. One potential package could include Jonathan Kuminga, Jordan Poole, and future draft picks. Kuminga has shown great potential but still lacks consistency, while Poole’s scoring ability would be a valuable asset to a Lakers team that needs more offensive firepower. The Warriors could also offer additional draft picks to make the deal more enticing.
Another option would be a trade involving Draymond Green, though this would be a much more contentious move given Green’s leadership and long-standing chemistry with Curry and Thompson. Such a trade would likely be viewed as a signal that the Warriors are willing to make drastic changes to their roster, but it would also be a difficult decision given Green’s importance to the team.
