The chances of the Golden State Warriors pulling off a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis appears limited, with the franchise reportedly unwilling to move on from veteran stars Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler.
Davis' significant $54.1 million salary this season means the Warriors would have to relinquish one of Green or Butler to make the salary work, something they're hesitant to do according to a major report from Sam Amick of The Athletic on Wednesday.
Warriors make their stance on veteran stars crystal clear
Amick dropped the bombshell news that it's been the Mavericks that have actually initiated Davis trade discussions with the Warriors, but that Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office are "staunchly against" giving up Green or Butler.
"Team sources say they’re staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, which creates quite a predicament when you’re trying to match salaries of high-level players," Amick wrote.
Amick further clarified that Golden State have no interest in a Butler-Davis swap despite it working financially, with that stance probably the right one given the All-Star big man's well chronicled injury issues.
A Green-centered deal also featuring Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield offers more intrigue given it's a clear talent upgrade, but it also comes with the heart-breaking decision to move on from a franchise legend.
The Warriors seemingly have no interest in making that decision, even if it would give them a formidable trio of Butler, Davis and Stephen Curry that could make noise in the Western Conference if healthy at the right time.
While Butler has remained a consistently effective player who's actually averaging slightly more points on far greater efficiency than last season with Golden State, Green's form and production has been more of a talking point particularly when it coincides with rumors swirling around Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo or any other player making over $50 million.
The veteran forward has seen his points, rebounds and assists dip from last season, while also committing nearly half a turnover more per game. He also finished the month of December with easily the worst plus-minus of any Warrior player.
Green did put in a strong showing in Wednesday's win over the Charlotte Hornets, nearly recording a triple double with 10 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. His chemistry with Curry was once again on display, and might be the biggest reason why the Warriors are against moving him in a trade for Davis.