NBA trade rumor: Warriors' Stephen Curry dream pair with veteran Anthony Davis takes a crushing double hit
The Times Of India | July 23, 2026 10:39 PM CST
Anthony Davis is heading into a contract decision that could shape the Warriors' entire offseason plan, and Washington isn't interested in helping. Golden State has explored trading for the 10-time All-Star as a way to lure LeBron James to the Bay Area, but the Wizards have rebuffed those inquiries and plan to open extension talks once Davis becomes eligible on August 6.
That gap between what Golden State wants and what Washington will do leaves the Warriors' superteam vision stuck at the idea stage. Davis is due $58.5 million next season, with Washington building around him and Trae Young rather than shopping him for picks or young talent. There is now talk that the Warriors' path to James runs through a deal that may never materialize.
Why Washington won't move Anthony Davis
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Wizards plan to begin extension discussions once Davis hits eligibility on August 6, and that stance lines up with Washington's roster building around him and Young rather than shopping him.
Washington's recent trade for DeAndre Ayton briefly raised questions about Davis' future, but reports indicated the Wizards actually want both big men in the frontcourt together next season. Slater added that if Washington ever did engage on a Davis trade, the asking price would be steep enough to make most offers pointless, since the leverage sits entirely with the team that isn't looking to sell.
What Rich Paul and Anthony Davis are saying
Davis' side has downplayed the trade speculation. Asked on the Game Over podcast whether Davis would suit up for Washington next season, his agent Rich Paul said, "Yeah, why wouldn't he?" Sources close to the situation told Scoop B Radio that Davis is excited about the season ahead and that the option year gives him control over his own timeline.
Davis reinforced that himself at Fanatics Fest. Asked how many games he expects to play in Washington, he said, "82." He also predicted the Wizards would clear 40-plus wins and called No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa an easy choice for Rookie of the Year, a sign he's already building around this roster rather than angling for a way out.
Where LeBron James and the Warriors fit in
The Warriors' interest in Davis has always been tied to their pursuit of James. The two won a title together in 2020, remain close, and share an agent in Paul. Golden State's front office has reportedly floated Davis as bait for James before, but Slater said the two sides haven't had real trade conversations. Acquiring Davis would likely require moving Jimmy Butler for salary purposes and giving up significant draft capital, a price Golden State has been unwilling to pay without a firm commitment from James first.
Trae Young has made his preference clear from the other side. After signing his own extension with Washington, Young has publicly hinted that Davis "knows where he wants to be," pushing back on any notion that Davis is looking to leave.
What's next as the extension window opens
Washington's plan centers on developing Dybantsa with Young running the offense and Davis anchoring the frontcourt. August 6 will determine whether that plan gets locked in with a new contract or whether the Wizards let the moment pass and keep Davis on his current deal into next season. Either way, Golden State's hopes of pairing Davis with James remain a step removed from anything close to real trade talks.
As of now, there’s no real trade smoke; Washington holds all the leverage
Golden State wants this pairing, but Washington has shown zero willingness to discuss a deal, and Davis' own comments point toward staying put. Until James makes a decision or the Wizards' stance changes, this stays speculation, not a trade in motion.
That gap between what Golden State wants and what Washington will do leaves the Warriors' superteam vision stuck at the idea stage. Davis is due $58.5 million next season, with Washington building around him and Trae Young rather than shopping him for picks or young talent. There is now talk that the Warriors' path to James runs through a deal that may never materialize.
Why Washington won't move Anthony Davis
- Contract: $58.5 million salary for 2026-27, $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, extension-eligible Aug. 6
- 2025-26 stats: 20.4 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 50.6 FG%, limited to 20 games (all with Dallas before a trade sent him to Washington)
- Current status: Under contract with Washington, in extension discussions
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Wizards plan to begin extension discussions once Davis hits eligibility on August 6, and that stance lines up with Washington's roster building around him and Young rather than shopping him.
Washington's recent trade for DeAndre Ayton briefly raised questions about Davis' future, but reports indicated the Wizards actually want both big men in the frontcourt together next season. Slater added that if Washington ever did engage on a Davis trade, the asking price would be steep enough to make most offers pointless, since the leverage sits entirely with the team that isn't looking to sell.
What Rich Paul and Anthony Davis are saying
Davis' side has downplayed the trade speculation. Asked on the Game Over podcast whether Davis would suit up for Washington next season, his agent Rich Paul said, "Yeah, why wouldn't he?" Sources close to the situation told Scoop B Radio that Davis is excited about the season ahead and that the option year gives him control over his own timeline.
Davis reinforced that himself at Fanatics Fest. Asked how many games he expects to play in Washington, he said, "82." He also predicted the Wizards would clear 40-plus wins and called No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa an easy choice for Rookie of the Year, a sign he's already building around this roster rather than angling for a way out.
Where LeBron James and the Warriors fit in
The Warriors' interest in Davis has always been tied to their pursuit of James. The two won a title together in 2020, remain close, and share an agent in Paul. Golden State's front office has reportedly floated Davis as bait for James before, but Slater said the two sides haven't had real trade conversations. Acquiring Davis would likely require moving Jimmy Butler for salary purposes and giving up significant draft capital, a price Golden State has been unwilling to pay without a firm commitment from James first.
Trae Young has made his preference clear from the other side. After signing his own extension with Washington, Young has publicly hinted that Davis "knows where he wants to be," pushing back on any notion that Davis is looking to leave.
What's next as the extension window opens
Washington's plan centers on developing Dybantsa with Young running the offense and Davis anchoring the frontcourt. August 6 will determine whether that plan gets locked in with a new contract or whether the Wizards let the moment pass and keep Davis on his current deal into next season. Either way, Golden State's hopes of pairing Davis with James remain a step removed from anything close to real trade talks.
As of now, there’s no real trade smoke; Washington holds all the leverage
Golden State wants this pairing, but Washington has shown zero willingness to discuss a deal, and Davis' own comments point toward staying put. Until James makes a decision or the Wizards' stance changes, this stays speculation, not a trade in motion.
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