In the wake of a report suggesting the Golden State Warriors were in the mix for LeBron James, some wonder if trading for Washington Wizards’ Anthony Davis could have increased their chances. James shocked the NBA world when he inked a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Electing to play for Philly over former teams such as the Miami Heat or the Cleveland Cavs, would LeBron have gone down a different path if the Warriors traded for someone of Davis’ caliber?
However, the Warriors were never in talks with the Wizards over a potential trade for Davis, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
“The Warriors were never given any directive from James or Paul to make a specific move to secure James’ commitment, team sources said, despite directly asking. But league sources said there were at least subliminal implications that a major upgrade would drastically improve their chances at luring James,” Slater reported. That would’ve been particularly true with Anthony Davis, the four-time first-team All-NBA center who won a 2020 title with James in Los Angeles.
“But the Warriors never seriously engaged the Washington Wizards on Davis, again showing no appetite for losing Butler and shelling out the amount of draft picks (and presumed contract extension) it would’ve cost for a big-name trade, especially without a firm James commitment.”
For Davis, the Warriors could have offered a package similar to what the LA Clippers gave the Oklahoma City Thunder in their blockbuster trade for Paul George. The Warriors were also linked to Jaylen Brown as a failed trade with the Boston Celtics ahead of last season’s trade deadline.
“Wizards president Michael Winger was the general manager of the Clippers then and surely comprehended the type of reverse leverage he’d have on the Warriors had they come asking for Davis in an attempt to secure a James commitment,” Slater added. “The Wizards never planned to part with Davis, and the Warriors didn’t come calling.”
The Thunder landed its franchise player in two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, including future first-round picks in exchange for James, and perhaps one more championship to add to the Warriors’ fading dynasty.
In the wake of a report suggesting the Golden State Warriors were in the mix for LeBron James, some wonder if trading for Washington Wizards’ Anthony Davis could have increased their chances. James shocked the NBA world when he inked a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.