The Golden State Warriors flirted with the idea of renewing interest in an Anthony Davis trade this offseason, particularly as they also pursued his former championship teammate LeBron James in free agency.
The decision to opt against chasing Davis was understandable, and suddenly looks even smarter than expected after ESPN insiders voted the veteran big man as the most likely star to request a trade this season.
Warriors' Anthony Davis trade stance looks even smarter
Golden State ultimately decided that the combination of Davis' injury history and looming contract extension was too much to risk in a deal that would have sent out injured six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler and draft capital.
The Washington Wizards would have also had all the leverage had the two teams seriously entered into trade talks. Not only were the Wizards reluctant to trade Davis, but the Warriors' pursuit of James pushed another factor in their favor.
Despite giving up only two completely fake first-round picks to the Dallas Mavericks in February, and despite Davis having not played in a game since, the Wizards would have needed legitimate assets which may have included Golden State's incredibly valuable post-Stephen Curry picks.
Perhaps Washington should have been more open to a Davis deal this summer, particularly in the wake of the two parties parking extension discussions, and if ESPN's prediction of a trade request comes to fruition.
The 33-year-old received 10 votes, six ahead of former Mavericks teammate Kyrie Irving, while former Warrior Kevin Durant (three), Zion Williamson (three), James Harden (two) and Jaylen Brown (two) also featured on the list.
If Washington isn't willing to pay Davis what he wants, why would he be satisfied to stick around and attempt to help the Wizards snap a six-year playoff drought?" ESPN's Tim MacMahon wrote.
Warriors could renew interest in Anthony Davis mid-season
Based on this prediction, Golden State could get a far more favorable opportunity to trade for Davis if they desire before the mid-season deadline. Should the 10x All-Star request a trade only months away from potentially opting out of his player option and becoming a free agent, Washington are going to have very little leverage to work with.
Not only will the Wizards' position be compromised, but the Warriors will be coming from a greater position of strength because Butler will have returned, or will at least be very close to returning from injury. That fact is also likely to reduce the chances of a deal depending on how Butler looks as a 37-year-old coming off a torn ACL.
All of it will depend on how the season plays out, but there's little doubt Golden State rightfully dodged an overpriced Davis trade this summer, even if it may have also cost them James in the process.
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