The NBA rumor mill has been buzzing this week with talk of the Golden State Warriors potentially bringing both LeBron James and Anthony Davis to the Bay Area. But according to insider Marc Stein, the Dubs aren't being forced to pull off a blockbuster trade for the star big man to make a LeBron signing happen.
Stein reported Tuesday that Golden State doesn't feel pressured to pursue Davis as a condition of landing James. This contradicts earlier speculation that the Warriors might need to reunite the former Lakers duo to convince LeBron to join Stephen Curry and company.
ESPN's Shams Charania had previously indicated Golden State was exploring a trade for Davis as a recruiting tool for James. The two won a championship together in Los Angeles in 2020 and remain close friends. Charania noted that any deal for Davis would likely require sending Jimmy Butler, who is recovering from ACL surgery and carries a $56.8 million expiring contract, to match Davis's $58.4 million salary for next season.
However, Stein's sources push back on the idea that an AD trade is necessary. LeBron's departure from the Lakers was confirmed earlier this week, with the four-time MVP informing the team out of respect before free agency officially opens. That puts the Warriors in pole position to sign the all-time scoring leader.
Golden State's chances of adding Davis diminished further when they agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with Kristaps Porzingis on Monday. That move eats up cap space and roster flexibility, making a Davis trade even more complicated.
The Warriors still have other assets and could explore alternative paths to improve the roster around Curry and a potential James arrival. As Stein put it, the front office isn't operating with a mandate to acquire Davis, which suggests they have multiple options on the table.
This development comes amid a flurry of activity in the NBA, including Draymond Green's recent comments that fueled speculation about James's next destination. The Warriors have long been linked to LeBron, and now that he's officially on the market, expect the drama to intensify.
With free agency set to begin Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, other teams could still enter the mix. But for now, Golden State holds the inside track, and they don't need to mortgage the future for Davis to get their man.
