The Golden State Warriors just took a gut punch to their season. Jimmy Butler, their high-profile midseason addition, is done for the year with a torn ACL. It’s a brutal blow for a team that’s been trying to find its footing all season-and now finds itself staring at a major hole on the wing with the trade deadline fast approaching.
Butler wasn’t just another scorer. Golden State brought him in to take pressure off Stephen Curry, to give them another on-ball creator who could bend defenses and open up the floor.
And he delivered. His presence gave the Warriors a different gear offensively, and on the other end, his pairing with Draymond Green gave Golden State one of the tougher defensive duos in the league.
That kind of two-way impact doesn’t grow on trees-and now, they’re going to have to find a way to replicate it without him.
With Butler out until 2027, the Warriors are in scramble mode. And while the clock is ticking, there’s one potential swing-for-the-fences move that could change everything.
Could Golden State make a play for Anthony Davis?
There’s growing buzz around the league that Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, has made it clear to the Dallas Mavericks that his client wants out before the trade deadline. Davis is looking for a shot at another championship-and a long-term extension with a contender. With Dallas seemingly pivoting toward a rebuild around Cooper Flagg, it’s hard to see that aligning with Davis’ timeline.
Now, let’s be clear: Davis is currently sidelined after surgery on his left hand and is expected to miss at least six weeks. But he’s eyeing a return closer to the playoffs, which would give the Warriors a late-season boost if they can stay afloat in the meantime.
When healthy, Davis is still a force. He’s a nightly double-double machine, giving you 20 and 10 with elite rim protection and switchable defense.
That’s the kind of interior presence the Warriors have never truly had during the Curry era. He’d instantly elevate their defense and give them a legitimate post threat who can also clean up the offensive glass and create second-chance looks for Curry and Klay Thompson.
From a scheme standpoint, the fit makes a lot of sense. Davis’ ability to guard multiple positions and anchor the paint would slot seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s defensive system. And offensively, his presence would open up new layers for a team that’s often leaned heavily on perimeter creation.
Financially, the Warriors could get creative. Butler’s contract could be used to match salary in a potential deal, and with their full stash of draft picks intact through 2030, they’ve got the kind of assets that could entice a Mavericks team likely looking to replenish its future. Dallas doesn’t own its own first-round pick this year, so getting back draft capital in a Davis trade could be a priority.
Of course, there’s risk here. Davis has a well-documented injury history, and committing to him long-term with a big extension would be a gamble-especially for a franchise already deep into the luxury tax. But at this point, what choice do the Warriors really have?
The Curry window isn’t going to be open forever. Golden State is in win-now mode whether they like it or not, and standing pat could mean wasting another year of one of the greatest players of all time.
If Davis is available and willing to commit, the Warriors have to explore it. Swinging big might be the only way to salvage a season that’s suddenly hanging in the balance.