As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, the rumor mill is heating up-and once again, Anthony Davis is right in the middle of it. Only this time, the conversation has taken a surprising turn.
A new contender has emerged in the race for the All-Star big man, and it’s not who you'd expect. According to multiple reports, the Golden State Warriors are seriously weighing a move for Davis, signaling a potential power shift in the Western Conference if things come together.
Golden State’s Interest: More Than Just Smoke
Chris Haynes recently revealed during an NBA on Prime segment that the Warriors are “contemplating” a run at Davis. Their front office is reportedly exploring what it would take to land a rim-running big who can both protect the paint and finish lobs-two areas where Davis excels when healthy.
Golden State’s interest makes sense when you consider their DNA. Since Joe Lacob took over the franchise, the Warriors have never been shy about swinging for the fences.
Whether it was bringing in Kevin Durant or trading for Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors have always prioritized elite talent, even if it meant taking big risks. And with a middling 16-15 record to start the season, the urgency to retool around Stephen Curry is very real.
The Betting Market Is Moving
The buzz around Davis isn’t just coming from league insiders-it’s showing up in the betting markets too. According to Evan Sidery, one of the league’s more plugged-in voices, bettors on Kalshi Sports have made the Warriors the new favorites to land Davis before February’s trade deadline.
That kind of momentum, especially this early in the trade cycle, tends to reflect more than just idle speculation. It suggests there’s real traction-or at least real belief-that Golden State is ready to make a move.
Dallas Is Willing, But the Price Has to Be Right
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, who currently hold Davis’ rights, are reportedly open for business. They’re shopping Davis in hopes of finding the right deal by the deadline.
But there’s a catch: they’re not impressed with what Golden State is offering so far. For a deal to happen, the Warriors would likely need to involve a third team or sweeten the pot with more attractive assets.
There’s also the matter of Davis’ health. He exited Dallas’ Christmas Day loss to Golden State with a groin injury and is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.
For any team considering a blockbuster deal, that kind of uncertainty complicates the calculus. Davis is one of the league’s most dominant bigs when he’s on the floor-but that “when” remains a sticking point.
Could Atlanta Be a Dark Horse?
While Golden State has grabbed most of the headlines, another team might be better positioned to actually get a deal done: the Atlanta Hawks. According to Haynes, Atlanta is quietly putting together a package centered around draft picks and young assets-not franchise cornerstone Trae Young. Despite earlier chatter around Young’s future, the Hawks reportedly view him as untouchable, especially with Jalen Johnson emerging as a legitimate All-Star candidate.
If Dallas is prioritizing flexibility and long-term upside, Atlanta’s offer could be more appealing than Golden State’s. Haynes even floated the name Zaccharie Risacher, the former No. 1 overall pick, as a potential target for Dallas if talks with Atlanta move forward. Risacher’s upside and rookie-scale contract could give Dallas the kind of cap flexibility and young talent they’re looking for in return.
The Bottom Line
Anthony Davis’ name always draws attention when it hits the trade market, and this time is no different. But what makes this situation unique is the mix of contenders involved-and the different motivations at play.
The Warriors are chasing another title window, trying to extend the Curry era with one more big swing. The Hawks are looking to build a sustainable core around Young and Johnson.
And Dallas? They're trying to balance the present with the future, walking that tightrope every front office knows too well.
As February approaches, the question isn’t just if Davis will be moved-it’s where, and what kind of ripple effect that move could have across the league. One thing’s for sure: this storyline is just getting started.