The Golden State Warriors’ 16-15 start to the 2025-26 season has been choppier than expected for a team boasting three future Hall of Famers in Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Despite their star power, the Warriors sit outside the Western Conference elite, struggling with defensive consistency and interior presence. Now, according to Chris Haynes of Prime Video (via Underdog NBA), Golden State is seriously contemplating a massive, risky move: trading for Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis.
Haynes revealed on air: “I was told [the Warriors] are contemplating making a case to acquire Anthony Davis as well.” He added that the Warriors are hunting for a “rim-running big man [who can] protect the paint, lob threat”—exactly what Davis provides when healthy. The 32-year-old, 10-time All-Star big man has been a two-way force in his 16 healthy games for the struggling 12-20 Mavericks, averaging 20.5 points on 52.1% shooting, 10.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals per night. He’s rediscovered his downhill scoring and remains a dominant rim protector.
But the deal won’t be easy. Haynes noted Dallas “is not that fascinated with what Golden State has on its books,” meaning the Warriors would likely need additional assets or a third team to make salaries match and tempt the Mavericks. Davis’ contract aligns perfectly with Butler’s $54.1 million salary, sparking speculation about a direct swap. However, Haynes notably excluded Butler from the conversation, despite the fact that Butler (still in his prime) is clearly the superior player to a declining Green, who has become an offensive liability.
Trading Butler for Davis would be a bold gamble. Davis is injury-prone—missing time frequently, including exiting Thursday’s Christmas Day loss to the Warriors with right groin spasms—but when available, he’s a game-changer. Pairing him with Curry’s shooting gravity, Green’s playmaking (when focused defensively), and the Warriors’ motion offense could create a lethal frontcourt. Davis would instantly solve Golden State’s paint protection and rebounding woes, giving them a true championship-caliber interior presence.
For Dallas, acquiring Butler could accelerate their rebuild around Luka Dončić, adding a proven playoff performer and leader. The Mavericks are middling and might be open to shaking things up if the right package emerges.
The Warriors have draft capital and young pieces to sweeten any deal, but parting with Butler would sting. Still, with Curry in his late 30s, time is of the essence. If GM Mike Dunleavy can pull off a Davis acquisition without completely gutting the roster, it could catapult Golden State back into title contention.
This rumor alone signals the Warriors aren’t content with mediocrity—they’re ready to swing big. Will they land the fourth Hall of Famer to complete their superteam? Stay tuned—the trade deadline is coming fast, and this saga could define the season.