With players such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Brandon Ingram hitting the free-agent market, the Warriors have an opportunity to add star power to their aging roster. As it turns out, however, their odds of landing such players are directly tied to Anthony Davis, who has been at the center of trade rumors for months now.

“If the Warriors want to sign potential 2027 free agents like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Brandon Ingram, trading for a player like Anthony Davis would give them a better shot at signing one of those star wings,” wrote SI’s Joey Akeley.

Warriors’ struggles attracting stars

Several veteran stars could be available for the taking. The problem for the Warriors is that players would have to choose them over other pursuers, who arguably have much more to offer. As much as the team might seem like a lucrative destination on paper, the Warriors have already been spurned by several stars over the years, including Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

What would set the Warriors apart and make them much more attractive is having another star to pair with Curry. Specifically, with Anthony Davis, the squad would have a much more compelling case to make to free agents.

Despite his injury history, the 10-time All-Star still leaves a massive impact on the floor, and he is widely respected by his peers. Last season, in 20 games for the Mavericks, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game on 50.6% shooting from the field. Outside of his injury concerns, there is no doubt about his All-Star level of play.

Warriors facing disappointment

Veteran forward Jimmy Butler was supposed to be the addition that saved this Warriors era and extended their title window. Instead, his contract has become somewhat of a liability as he recovers from a brutal ACL tear. With no set timetable for his return, the Warriors are desperate to fill the void, but it might not be until next summer that they have the right opportunity.

For now, the Warriors have no choice but to work with what they have, and we saw where that got the team last NBA season (10th in the West at 37-45). If they want to salvage what is left of the Curry era, action is needed, but finding the right move is easier said than done.

Rather than waiting on the two veterans to make their own choices, Yahoo Sports‘ Kevin O’Connor reports that LeBron is holding out to see if prospective teams asking about his services will actively pursue trade or sign-and-trade deals for Irving or Davis.

With both stars expected to be made available to several of LeBron’s reported suitors, whether a team can land either co-star could ultimately dictate which jersey James dons next season.

Despite the overwhelming free agency buzz, James appears in no rush to break his silence. That patient approach leaves teams like the Golden State Warriors waiting in the wings, especially with Stephen Curry publicly acknowledging the intriguing possibility of teaming up with LeBron.

LeBron to Miami?

Among the most intriguing storylines in LeBron’s free agency saga is the chatter surrounding a potential return to the Miami Heat. The organization was recently forced to set the record straight on a potential reunion after a viral video sparked widespread speculation online.

While LeBron’s deep connection to South Florida naturally fuels fan nostalgia, league insiders like ESPN‘s Shams Charania report that rival franchises—namely the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors—are actively making moves to position themselves in the sweepstakes.

While LeBron spent his offseason taking in the action at the 2026 World Cup—notably celebrating USMNT 🇺🇸 forward Folarin Balogun’s goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32—his fanbase remains on high alert, eagerly awaiting the superstar’s next—and potentially final—chapter.

While the move officially makes Green a free agent, Charania’s report indicate it is a strategic play designed to give the Warriors the financial flexibility necessary to launch an aggressive, blockbuster offseason pursuit of both LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

“Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4,“ Charania reported on X.

The Warriors have dominated NBA headlines as they look to aggressively retool their roster for another championship run. With James and Davis now firmly on Golden State’s radar following Charania’s report, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch across the league to see if the front office can actually pull off a landscape-shifting summer.

On the heels of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent blockbuster trade from the Bucks to the Heat, the Warriors are poised to send further shockwaves through the league if they can successfully orchestrate the arrivals of both James and Davis to pair with Stephen Curry.

Projecting the Warriors’ potential new-look lineup

With the potential end of a historic era looming, the Warriors could look entirely different by opening night. Assuming Golden State trades Jimmy Butler, here is how a potential veteran “Big 4” lineup could look in the Bay Area with LeBron included:

• PG: Stephen Curry
• SG: Brandin Podziemski
• SF: LeBron James
• PF: Draymond Green
• C: Anthony Davis

What about Jimmy Butler?

To make the math work on a potential Davis trade, the Warriors would almost assuredly have to part ways with Jimmy Butler. Butler, who is nearly four months removed from ACL surgery, carries an expiring $56.8 million salary that serves as the perfect match for Davis’ $58.4 million figure.

While the Warriors initially planned to keep Butler as a cornerstone for the upcoming season, the sudden opportunity to acquire both James and Davis completely rewrites the front office’s blueprint.

According to a report from Yahoo Sports Senior Analyst Kevin O’Connor, the organization also wants to land powerhouse big man Anthony Davis. This dual pursuit represents an aggressive strategy to reshape the roster with legendary talent before free agency opens.

To make this dream scenario work, the front office is looking to leverage its remaining assets and future draft capital. Packaging these contract pieces and future assets would serve as the foundational blueprint for a transformative trade.

How the trade would work

Following O’Connor’s breakdown, the transaction would require moving Jimmy Butler and his expiring contract to make the salaries balance out. The team would also have to sacrifice two future first-round draft picks along with four pick swaps to finalize the deal.

Financially, landing both elite talents requires clearing significant space and potentially convincing the legendary forward to sign for a mid-level exception. This financial sacrifice would allow the roster to stay under the league’s strict hard cap constraints.

Statistically, both targets remain elite, with the veteran forward averaging 20.9 points and 7.2 assists, while the dominant big man posted 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds last season. Their individual production proves they are still highly impactful contributors at the highest level.

How can James and Davis help the Warriors?

Inserting this superstar duo alongside Steph Curry gives the offense unmatched versatility, combining elite playmaking, historic shooting, and reliable high-low execution. Defensively, the addition of a premier rim protector completely anchors the paint, transforming the defense back into a championship-caliber unit.

While Nowitzki acknowledged that this latest deal provides the franchise with future financial flexibility, he noted that Dallas likely could have commanded a higher return.

“I think the Mavs fans are happy with this; I think they didn’t want to be reminded of what happened a year ago in the Luka trade,” Nowitzki said on NBA on Prime. “To me, looking at this deal, there’s not a lot that came back in terms of picks or players, so this is all about financial flexibility for the future…”

In the eight-player swap, the Mavericks sent Davis alongside D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum to D.C. In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-rounders.

While many fans are relieved to move on from the veteran big man, Nowitzki admitted he was disappointed the pairing of Davis and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg was cut short. “I’m a little disappointed, obviously. I think when AD actually played with Cooper, they played off each other really well. That was a solid combo, but we’ll never know,” the NBA Hall of Famer added.

Anthony Davis on the Wizards’ potential

The Wizards have struggled to find their footing in recent years, failing to qualify for the postseason since 2021. This season has been no different, as Washington currently sit with a disappointing 14-37 record, effectively ending their playoff aspirations.

However, Davis believes that with a few personnel adjustments, the Wizards could emerge as a force in the Eastern Conference next season. “Obviously, it’s tough right now with the team,” Davis said. “It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces—that can change. It’s year by year. They could be the No. 1 team in the East next year”.

If Davis can remain healthy—a challenge that limited him to just 29 games in Dallas—the Wizards could boast a formidable lineup. A healthy Davis paired with Trae Young and a young core featuring Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson suggests the Wizards could be poised for a significant leap in 2027.

At the same time, Flagg did not overlook the relationships he built in a short span with veterans such as Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum. Following the Mavericks’ game against the San Antonio Spurs, the rookie addressed the emotional side of the trades and the transition the roster went through.

“It was tough,” Flagg said, via Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. “They were all amazing guys to be around, on and off the court. I wish them all the best, and I’m just blessed to be here. Moving forward, whoever is out there on the court with me and the rest of the guys, I’m just looking forward to trying to get better and compete at a really high level.”

“We still had some really great guys here,” Flagg added. “Guys like Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and PJ Washington. We had a really bright future, and we could continue to keep competing and getting better every single day.”

Flagg’s production compared to the all-time greats

Based on how Flagg performed over the following weeks, the Mavericks appeared to be in capable hands despite the turbulence. His rapid development made it clear that surrounding him with the right complementary pieces would be critical, especially as he continued to rewrite rookie benchmarks and carve out a historic start to his career.

On Thursday, Feb. 6, Flagg accepted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for January, an honor he had already claimed in December and October/November. Later that night, he led Dallas against the San Antonio Spurs and former Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, finishing with 32 points. According to the NBA, the No. 1 pick out of Duke became the youngest player in league history to score at least 30 points in four consecutive games.

Flagg also became the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to record four straight games of at least 30 points and five rebounds. With 151 total points over that stretch, he further joined elite company, becoming the first rookie since Allen Iverson in 1997 to reach 150 points across a four-game span, a sign that Dallas’ bold gamble was already yielding a new cornerstone.

“The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Mavericks will receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-round picks,” Charania announced on his X account.

With these notable additions to both rosters, the Mavericks and Wizards are now refining their lineups for the remainder of the season. As they face multiple challenges ahead, which include matchups against various competitors, they are unified by one clear objective on the horizon: securing a spot in the NBA playoffs.

Mavericks’ updated lineup

With four fresh additions to their roster for the remainder of the season, the Mavericks will feature the following updated lineup:

• Ryan Nembhard
• Klay Thompson
• Khris Middleton
• Cooper Flagg
• Dereck Lively II

Wizards’ updated lineup

With Davis joining the squad, the Wizards have made significant adjustments ahead of the remainder of the season. Their updated lineup for the forthcoming challenges includes:

• Trae Young
• Tre Johnson
• Kyshawn George
• Anthony Davis
• Alex Sarr

According to Marc Stein, the Warriors will face challenges if they pursue Davis. The Toronto Raptors remain interested in Davis, and any trade package would likely include a combination of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl, along with RJ Barrett.

“Sources say Toronto is among the teams that has maintained trade interest in Davis, but any firm offer that the Raptors make is expected to be built around the contract of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl alongside RJ Barrett in a Davis deal. Even if the Raptors proved willing to attach a future first-round pick to those contracts, such a deal would provide scant financial relief for Dallas,” Stein reported.

Any of these players could provide value to the Mavericks. Quickley is a versatile point guard who can score at all three levels while creating opportunities for teammates. He could step in as the team’s starter while waiting for Kyrie Irving’s return and later serve as a high-level backup, which could benefit both sides.

The Davis situation

The Mavericks’ star sustained ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Jazz. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair the injury and will be sidelined for several months.

The Warriors and other interested teams

Amid ongoing trade rumors, the latest injury report initially seemed to pause speculation regarding Davis’ future. However, Charania noted that the Mavericks have reportedly resumed trade talks with multiple interested teams. If Davis is moved to a playoff contender, his return timeline could allow him to rejoin during the postseason.

Alongside the Warriors, the Atlanta Hawks have reportedly emerged as serious contenders, with the Raptors also among the foremost NBA teams pursuing Davis, according to Charania. The Warriors’ trade package may not be as favorable, creating a challenge in negotiations.

Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Mooses Moody, and a first-round pick are reportedly the core pieces the Warriors are prepared to offer, following the precedent set in discussions regarding Michael Porter Jr., though equivalent parameters would need to be met in any Davis trade.

The Mavericks’ star sustained ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Jazz. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair the damage and will be sidelined for several months.

Amidst ongoing trade rumors, it initially seemed that this latest injury report would put an end to all speculation regarding Davis’ future. However, Charania noted that the Mavericks have reportedly renewed trade talks with multiple interested teams. If moved to a playoff contender, Davis’ return timeline could allow him to rejoin the action during the postseason.

“Fascinating development: The Mavericks are having renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams, sources said. If moved to a playoff contender, the return timeline could allow Davis to return during the postseason while establishing himself for the long-term elsewhere,” Charania posted on his X account.

Davis’ tenure in Dallas has been underwhelming. Despite averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 20 games this NBA season, he has made more headlines for his physical setbacks than his on-court performance. Since joining the team, he has missed 42 games while appearing in only 29, and it appears his time with the Mavericks has reached its conclusion following the injury in Utah.

Davis breaks silence on the issue

Amidst bombshell reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania regarding a potential season-ending surgery and subsequent trade, the Dallas Mavericks’ big man took to social media to address the rumors head-on.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davis delivered a blunt, single-sentence message to the public: “Yall better stop listening to all these lies on these apps!” The pointed response suggests that one—or perhaps both—of the major reports regarding his health and his future in Dallas may not be entirely accurate.

According to NBA sources cited by Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal, the Mavericks are prioritizing the return of at least one impactful young player in any Anthony Davis trade discussions. Among the names drawing interest from Dallas are Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga and Atlanta Hawks wing Zaccharie Risacher, signaling the Mavericks’ desire to reset around youth and long-term upside.

A deal sending Davis to Golden State is considered unlikely. The Warriors are reportedly unwilling to part with core pieces such as Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, limiting their flexibility in serious negotiations. Financial considerations also loom large, as Davis is eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August and is earning $54.1 million this season, with his salary set to rise in the coming years.

Despite that, the Warriors are widely viewed as a team in need of roster changes. Jonathan Kuminga’s inconsistent performances, dating back to the postseason, have made him a recurring trade candidate. Golden State has explored moving him in search of a roster upgrade to help Curry win an NBA championship, and his name continues to surface in potential trade frameworks across the league.

The Hawks as another interested team

The Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a more realistic potential trade destination for Davis. To make the salaries work, Atlanta could construct a package including Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Asa Newell, giving Dallas both immediate rotation pieces and future flexibility as they reshape their roster.

From an on-court perspective, Davis is averaging 20.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks through 17 games this NBA season. While his production remains strong when available, durability continues to be a concern. Outside of the 76 games he played in the 2023–24 season with the Lakers, he has not reached 62 games in a single season since 2018–19.

That ongoing injury history weighs heavily on any trade evaluation. For teams considering a major move, Davis’ availability in critical moments is a central question, one that could ultimately determine whether a blockbuster deal materializes or whether franchises choose a more cautious path forward.

According to the latest official NBA injury report for Saturday, December 27, the Mavericks have ruled out Davis due to right adductor soreness, for tonight’s matchup in Sacramento.

Davis gave the Dallas faithful a major scare during a Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors. Early in the second quarter, the 10-time All-Star abruptly stopped during a fast break and limped directly to the bench clutching his groin.

After being evaluated in the locker room by the team’s medical staff, he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the contest with what the team described as groin spasms.

While the “questionable” tag offered a glimmer of hope for tonight’s tip-off, reports suggested a more cautious timeline. ESPN’s Shams Charania indicated Friday that Davis is dealing with a minor groin strain and is expected to miss a few games, with the team likely to prioritize his long-term health.

Mavericks’ season not going as planned

The 2025-26 campaign has not gone as planned for Dallas. Despite the high-profile addition of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks sit at 12-20 on the year, largely due to a revolving door of injuries. Davis has been the centerpiece of those concerns, appearing in just 16 of the team’s 32 games so far.

The Mavs enter tonight’s contest severely shorthanded, already missing Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum, all of whom are out with long-term injuries. Brandon Williams (calf) is listed as doubtful, while rookie Moussa Cisse is also questionable.

Kings face their own depth crisis

Fortunately for Dallas, the Sacramento Kings (7-23) are also decimated. The Kings will be without three of their primary starters tonight, as Domantas Sabonis (knee), Zach LaVine (ankle), and Keegan Murray (calf) have all been ruled out. Backup big man Drew Eubanks also remains sidelined, leaving Sacramento with a paper-thin frontcourt.