The Washington Wizards could have used the Golden State Warriors' pursuit of LeBron James to get an above market return in a trade for Anthony Davis this offseason.
Now, on the eve of the season, the Wizards are losing their leverage and blew their best chance at a Davis trade by now openly holding the desire to move the All-Star big man in a blockbuster deal for Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren.
Jalen Duren interest proves Wizards blew Anthony Davis trade chance
It would be all well and good if the Wizards could actually flip Davis for Duren in a sign-and-trade, but the Pistons have little interest in that according to Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson of The Athletic on Wednesday.
"League sources also confirmed an ESPN report indicating that the Washington Wizards would have interest in a Duren-for-Anthony Davis trade, but that scenario – like all the others – does not appear to be of interest to the Pistons," Amick and Patterson wrote.
Washington clearly have a desire to upgrade from Davis despite the 33-year-old having yet to play a single game for the team after being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in February. Perhaps it's less about an upgrade and more about finding a player on their age timeline, having agreed to forego an extension with Davis this offseason despite his eligibility.
What the Wizards should have done is be more open with the Warriors about a Davis trade in July. Now that they've shown their willingness to move him in the weeks before the season, it's highly unlikely they can land the same kind of return Golden State may have been willing to offer less than three months ago.
Warriors could get Anthony Davis for lower price in mid-season trade
The Warriors are still linked to Davis whenever his name comes up in trade conversations, having often been viewed as the veteran team that given their middling state, would be willing to take a risk on the 10x All-Star and his injury history.
Golden State weren't willing to strongly follow through with a pursuit in July, but that stance may change with a lower asking price from Washington who've essentially conveyed to the rest of the league that Davis isn't part of their long-term core.
The Warriors still have a question mark over their center position as Kristaps Porzingis deals with another health concern. Davis would bring his own availability issues, yet Golden State are in a position where they may have to take another risk if they want to revive their championship credentials.
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