The Golden State Warriors continue searching for stability in an uneven season. With a 16–15 record, the team remains competitive but far from the consistency of previous years. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler provide experience, yet structural problems persist.
With the February trade window open, a franchise-shaking possibility has emerged: Anthony Davis. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that the Warriors could pursue a trade for Davis built around Jimmy Butler, while keeping Jonathan Kuminga for other moves and treating Draymond Green as nearly untouchable without full approval from Curry, Steve Kerr, and Joe Lacob.
The need for a dominant center
According to Essentiallysports report, from a basketball standpoint, the idea makes sense. The Warriors struggle with rim protection, defensive rebounding, and interior scoring when perimeter shots stop falling. Anthony Davis, when healthy, solves all of those issues at once. At 32 years old, he still produces over 20 points per game, double-digit rebounds, and elite defense.
If the Warriors truly look to pursue Anthony Davis, they would do so attempting to put something together around Jimmy Butler, while maintaining Jonathan Kuminga for separate additions.
Golden State isn’t trading Draymond Green unless Steph, Kerr, and Lacob all green light it.— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 27, 2025
However, the challenge lies in salary math and risk. Kuminga carries a $22.5 million base salary for 2025–26, while Buddy Hield adds $9.2 million. Together, they fall well short of Davis’ $54.1 million contract, which makes Butler a central piece of any realistic deal.
That reality creates a crossroads. Butler ranks as the team’s second-leading scorer behind Curry. Trading him could open the door to one final push for dominance, but it also brings emotional and competitive risk. Davis’ durability concerns add another layer of uncertainty.
Nostalgia for the dynasty now clashes with present-day urgency. Golden State must choose a clear direction. Betting on Anthony Davis promises immediate impact, but it also carries serious long-term consequences. Jimmy Butler’s future, suddenly, looks increasingly uncertain.
