The Golden State Warriors are attempting to trade for Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis, Kevin O’Connor reported Sunday.
Davis, 33, was acquired by the Wizards in a February trade that sent Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell
and Dante Exum to Washington for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley III, Malachi Branham, three second-round picks and two first-round picks.
Any trade package surrounding Davis to Golden State must include Jimmy Butler II’s contract.
Butler, who will be 37 at the start of the 2026-27 season, is four months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. He’s due $56.8 million in 2026-27 but becomes a free agent the following the season, which would open significant cap space for Washington if it makes this move.
Davis didn’t play a game for Washington last season due to a ligament tear in his left hand. The five-time All-NBA forward made clear he didn’t choose to be traded to the Wizards, and while he’s remained open to staying, he said the team needed to outline a plan that showed it could win now.
“It’s hard to say [I would stay in D.C.] without the proper plan,” Davis told reporters in February. “It’s tough right now with the team. It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces, that can change.”
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said the team traded for Davis “to be a Wizard” and to give Alex Sarr some frontcourt help. After the 2026 NBA Draft, Dawkins again stated the team’s desire to keep Davis in Washington.
It’s become clear in recent days that a plan — first reported by Yahoo! Sports — has been enacted to bring both Davis and LeBron James to Golden State. Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option to make that plan possible, which has further strengthened the realism behind those initial reports.
The Warriors have three tradable first-round picks, only two of which can be unprotected. They also own four first-round pick swaps.
It appears Golden State’s plans to sign James are contingent upon acquiring Davis. If that’s true, Washington holds the cards in potential trade negotiations.
Washington’s package would likely center around Butler’s expiring contract and at least one unprotected first-round pick. To not only trade Davis but also take on Butler’s hefty salary when it’s unclear when he will return next season could force Golden State to offer even more to add Davis and James to their core of Stephen Curry and Green.
