The Golden State Warriors are prioritizing a potential pursuit of LeBron James in free agency over a trade for Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Despite speculation regarding a veteran super-team, Windhorst reported on Get Up that there is no current traction for a deal involving Davis, and the Warriors have explicitly informed Jimmy Butler that he will not be traded.
Why are the Warriors shifting focus toward LeBron James?
The strategic pivot follows Draymond Green’s decision to decline his $27.7MM player option for the upcoming season, a move that provided the Warriors with increased financial flexibility. According to Windhorst, the organization is testing whether it can successfully lure James away from the Los Angeles Lakers. While the team holds a $15MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE), its ability to utilize the full amount is now constrained by the recent two-year, $40MM agreement to re-sign Kristaps Porzingis.
To access the full NTMLE, the Warriors would likely need to shed additional salary. Personnel moves, such as potentially offloading Moses Moody, are currently being evaluated as the team works to clear cap space.
Is an Anthony Davis trade realistic for Golden State?
Analysts remain skeptical regarding a potential move for Anthony Davis. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon described the rumors as dubious, citing both the long-term financial commitment and the diminishing returns of such a trade. MacMahon noted that Davis is owed $120MM over the next two years and is seeking a max or near-max extension—a commitment that would extend well beyond the competitive window of Steph Curry.
The logistical hurdles are significant. Davis is scheduled to earn $58.5MM in 2026/27 and holds a $62.8MM player option for the following year. Furthermore, his durability remains a concern, as he was limited to only 20 games this past season and did not appear in a contest after being traded to Washington in February.
How does the salary cap impact roster construction?
Financial constraints dictate the feasibility of any “super-team” construction. Without clearing salary to reach the full NTMLE, the Warriors would be restricted to the $6.1MM taxpayer MLE. Industry observers, including Windhorst, suggest that a smaller exception is significantly less enticing to a player of James’ caliber, effectively narrowing the path for the Warriors to land a marquee free agent.
Follow the movement of mid-level exceptions closely. Teams often use these tools to balance competitive needs with hard-cap restrictions, which frequently dictates the ceiling for offseason acquisitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the Warriors trading for Anthony Davis? No. Brian Windhorst reports there is no traction in talks with the Wizards and the team has moved the idea off the front burner.
- Why did Draymond Green decline his option? Green’s decision to decline his $27.7MM option created the salary flexibility necessary for the team to explore high-profile free agency targets.
- What is the main obstacle to signing LeBron James? The primary challenge is the team’s salary cap situation; they must offload salary to utilize the full $15MM NTMLE, which is more attractive than the $6.1MM taxpayer MLE.
What do you think is the best path forward for the Warriors this offseason? Join the discussion in the comments section below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on NBA free agency.
