When the Lakers pulled off the blockbuster deal to bring Luka Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, the NBA world was stunned. A year later, the early returns are starting to paint a clear picture - and it’s looking like the Lakers may have come out ahead.
As of December 12, 2025, Davis has suited up for just 19 games with the Dallas Mavericks. Injuries - the same ones that have followed him throughout his career - have once again limited his availability.
And in a league that moves fast and values durability, Davis’ future in Dallas is now murky. If he can’t stay on the floor, the Mavericks may have no choice but to explore trade options.
And that’s where things get interesting.
According to recent speculation, one potential landing spot for Davis could be the Golden State Warriors - a team still looking to maximize the twilight years of Stephen Curry’s legendary career. While Draymond Green remains a key piece for Golden State, his offensive production has dipped.
He’s currently shooting just 38% from the field - his lowest mark since his rookie season. That’s even worse than his 2019-20 campaign, when Curry played just five games during what became a lost year for the franchise.
The idea here is simple: Davis could be the rim-running, shot-blocking, pick-and-roll threat the Warriors have long been missing. His presence would not only give Curry a dynamic partner in the two-man game, but also shore up the Warriors’ interior defense. And with Jimmy Butler already in the mix, Golden State would be rolling out a Big Three that, even with some mileage on the tires, could give any contender serious problems.
The proposed deal would be a four-team shuffle. Here’s how it would look:
- Warriors get Anthony Davis and Mason Plumlee
- Mavericks receive Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and the Warriors’ 2026 first-round pick
- Lakers land Buddy Hield, a much-needed perimeter shooter
- Hornets pick up Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht
From Golden State’s perspective, this is a win-now move. Davis brings elite talent on both ends of the floor, and while injuries are always a concern, the upside is undeniable. Pairing him with Curry - still one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league - could extend the Warriors’ championship window just a little longer.
For the Mavericks, it’s a reset of sorts. Draymond brings leadership and defensive grit, while Kuminga offers youth and upside.
The first-round pick adds future flexibility. If Dallas doesn’t believe Davis can stay healthy, this is a way to recoup value and build a more balanced roster.
And for the Lakers, adding Hield would address one of their biggest needs: consistent outside shooting. With Dončić running the show, surrounding him with snipers is essential, and Hield fits that bill perfectly.
Kuminga’s inclusion is notable. Once seen as a potential cornerstone, he’s struggled to find consistent minutes and even logged a DNP recently.
Moving him now, along with Draymond - a franchise icon - would be a bold statement. But if Golden State believes Davis is the missing piece for one last title run, it might be time to roll the dice.
A Curry-Davis-Butler trio may not be built for the long haul, but in the short term? That’s a nightmare matchup for just about anyone in the league.