The Golden State Warriors, plagued by a persistent lack of size and reliable interior defense this season, are actively scouring the NBA trade market for a solution. In a move that signals their urgency to maximize Stephen Curry's championship window, the franchise has been linked in league chatter to Dallas Mavericks' star big man Anthony Davis.
The Framework of a Potential Blockbuster Deal
While sources indicate no agreement is imminent, the mere discussion highlights the Warriors' seriousness. The most talked-about framework to bring Anthony Davis to the Bay Area involves a complex three-team trade. In this scenario, Davis would join the Golden State Warriors. The Dallas Mavericks would receive veteran center Al Horford, promising young forward Jonathan Kuminga, and a valuable 2028 first-round draft pick. A third team would likely be brought in to absorb additional salary and make the financial mathematics work under the NBA's stringent second apron rules.
The primary obstacle is Davis' massive contract, which includes a potential player option worth $62.7 million for the 2027-28 season. For Golden State to accommodate this under the cap, moving Horford's expiring deal and parting with a high-upside asset like Kuminga, who is approaching extension talks, appears necessary.
Why the Warriors Are Willing to Take the Risk
For the Warriors, the calculation is clear. Anthony Davis, despite being 32, immediately addresses their most glaring weaknesses. He provides elite rim protection, consistent rebounding, and the versatility to defend multiple positions. Offensively, his skill set is viewed as a seamless fit alongside Stephen Curry's gravity and movement. Acquiring Davis would be a definitive all-in push to compete for a title right now, acknowledging that Curry's prime years are finite.
Moving on from Al Horford, whose production has not met the team's needs, reflects this win-now mentality. Horford's limited role and struggling averages—approximately 5.4 points and 3.9 rebounds on 33.9% shooting in around 15 games—underscore why an upgrade is sought.
What's in it for the Dallas Mavericks?
For the Dallas Mavericks, currently in a transitional phase after front-office changes, this trade would represent a shift from star power to long-term flexibility and asset accumulation. Al Horford offers experienced leadership and floor spacing, though his peak years are behind him. The 22-year-old Jonathan Kuminga brings athleticism and untapped potential, while the future first-round pick becomes a key building block. This package could help Dallas construct a younger core, potentially alongside a future star like draft prospect Cooper Flagg, resetting the team's direction.
The stat comparison tells a compelling story: Anthony Davis is averaging roughly 21 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game this season, a stark contrast to Horford's contributions and exactly what Golden State lacks.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
This potential trade carries significant risk for the Warriors, primarily tied to Anthony Davis' injury history. However, the reward is a player who undeniably raises their championship ceiling. For Dallas, the deal offers a pathway to a rebuild but at the cost of a rare, transformative two-way talent. The balance of this high-stakes gamble favors the Golden State Warriors if their sole focus is capitalizing on the remainder of Stephen Curry's legendary career. As the trade deadline approaches, this rumor confirms that Golden State's front office is weighing every possible option to return to contention.
