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Bill Simmons proposes audacious Golden State Warriors trade for star big man

By Peter O'Keefe

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he is fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during a 115-113 Warriors win on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Staples Center on January 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he is fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during a 115-113 Warriors win on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Staples Center on January 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have had a rough start to the new NBA season, opening up more conversation on the potential of a blockbuster mid-season move to improve their championship credentials.

Blessed with a rare combination of experienced championship-level talent, a plethora of young high-upside prospects, and the majority of their future picks, the Warriors have the capacity to involve themselves in a spate of trade discussions should they wish.

The Ringers’ Bill Simmons has proposed a deal that would see the Golden State Warriors swing big in a trade for Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Simmons is backing Davis to be on a different team by the February trade deadline. Golden State’s long-term absence of a dominant big man has always made them an intriguing destination for the former number one overall pick.

"“Draymond, Kuminga, Moody and a couple of picks for AD? It actually was the one that made me pause the most trying to figure out would the Warriors talk themselves into it? I don’t know if they’d give up Kuminga and Moody and the picks…the vibe on that team has been weird all year and it’s hard not to blame at least 97% of that on Draymond punching Poole in the face during practice”, Simmons said."

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green guarding Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green guarding Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) /

Between a declining perimeter game and what feels like a new injury issue every week, Davis’ value has dipped since he and LeBron James led the Lakers to a championship in 2020. When on the floor though, he’s still a highly-productive player — Davis is averaging 22.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while his defense (1.6 steals and 2.1 blocks) has been nothing short of elite.

A Green-Davis swap would be immensely intriguing, not least because both players are managed by Klutch Sports. The Lakers need more offense rather than Green’s defense, but perhaps the addition of Kuminga, Moody and picks would be the major attraction in the deal. Green also has a player option for next season, while Davis has two years left on his deal at nearly $84 million.

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Golden State may make the trade if you could actually ensure Davis’ health across the next few seasons, but that’s not an aspect you can confidently trust in which makes the idea a risky and ultimately improbable one.

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