The Golden State Warriors are still heavily pursuing a trade for Washington Wizards big man Anthony Davis, a move that would necessitate the inclusion of Jimmy Butler for salary-matching purposes. This pursuit is part of a larger strategy by the Warriors to potentially form a "Big Four" alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and free agent LeBron James. However, the Wizards are publicly asserting that Davis is a cornerstone of their future and that they intend to offer him a max extension in August, a stance that is a strategic smokescreen to maintain Davis's trade value.
Anthony Davis is currently under contract through the 2027-28 season, with a salary of $58.46 million for the 2026-27 season. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks in 20 games during the 2025-26 season before a finger injury ended his campaign. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler, who signed a two-year, $110.96 million contract with the Warriors on February 6, 2025, is due $56.83 million in 2026-27. Butler, 36, averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 38 games in 2025-26, shooting 51.6% from the field. He is currently recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss most of the upcoming season.
From a pure basketball perspective, a healthy Anthony Davis would be a transformative addition for the Warriors. His rim protection, interior scoring, and defensive versatility would fill critical needs for a team looking to contend immediately. Imagine Davis operating in Golden State's offensive flow, a pick-and-roll menace with Curry, and anchoring a defense that has often lacked a consistent interior presence. The fit is undeniable, offering a legitimate two-way superstar who can elevate their ceiling dramatically. The question, as always, is whether his availability aligns with the Warriors' championship window.
The Wizards, conversely, are navigating a complex rebuild centered around newly extended Trae Young and their No. 1 overall pick, AJ Dybantsa. Their public commitment to Davis, despite his expiring contract in 2028 and eligibility for a massive $275 million extension, is a textbook negotiation tactic. By feigning disinterest in moving Davis, they aim to maximize the return, hoping a desperate contender like Golden State will overpay with valuable draft capital. The inclusion of Butler's substantial, injury-laden contract for 2026-27, which the Wizards have no interest in acquiring, means the Warriors would need to find a third team to facilitate any deal.
The immediate future hinges on Davis's impending contract extension eligibility in August. If the Wizards genuinely prioritize their rebuild, declining to offer Davis the lucrative extension he seeks would signal their readiness to move him. This would intensify trade discussions, forcing the Warriors to get creative and potentially involve a third team to absorb Butler's contract and its $56.83 million salary for the 2026-27 season. The Chicago Bulls or Brooklyn Nets have been floated as potential landing spots for Butler due to their projected cap space. The Warriors, with a projected 2026-27 salary cap of $165 million and a current payroll around $177 million for nine players, are already operating as an over-the-cap team, making any acquisition of Davis a delicate salary cap maneuver.
