The Golden State Warriors continue to be linked to Anthony Davis as a potential mid-season trade target, and they're perfectly equipped to grant the veteran All-Star a wish he continues to pursue.
For not the first time in recent years, Davis has declared his desire to play with another big after spending the majority of his minutes at center since winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Anthony Davis still wishes to play alongside another big man
As he prepares for his first game as a member of the Wizards following February's trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Davis reiterated his desire to play more power forward during an appearance on Numbers On The Board.
“For me, I feel like I’ve been most successful in my career when I’ve had another big," Davis said.
The problem for Davis and this desire is that his jump-shot has fallen off a cliff since that championship in the bubble, meaning he has to play with a very specific stretch five who earns the respect of defenses from the perimeter.
Davis could play minutes alongside Alex Sarr or Deandre Ayton this season, but the latter isn't a floor spacer and Sarr, for as talented as he is, shoots only 31.6% from beyond the arc over his first two years in the league.
The Warriors, on the other hand, are still perfectly equipped to grant Davis his wish, assuming a trade was to center around Jimmy Butler and draft capital. Golden State could put together a package of Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis and Moses Moody, but doing a 3-for-1 trade gets difficult for a team so close to the second apron.
Anthony Davis could primarily play at the four for the Warriors
A Butler and pick/s for Davis trade would leave the Warriors with a number of big men, likely pushing the 10x All-Star to the four. Porzingis and Horford could then provide the complement to Davis, giving Golden State a massive frontcourt which would likely please new defensive coordinator Frank Vogel -- Davis' coach on that Lakers' championship team.
Perhaps Green would still be part of the mix as well, and could be classified as a 'big' given the former Defensive Player of the Year plays well above his size on that end of the floor. There would be significant spacing concerns with that duo, but perhaps the defensive excellence would more than make up for it.
If there's one person who might agree with Davis' comments, it's Vogel who built an elite defense around the former first overall pick and another big. With Vogel now on board controlling the defensive side of the floor, perhaps the Warriors do renew interest in Davis if he becomes available again before the trade deadline.
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