The Golden State Warriors were strongly linked to Anthony Davis for a period at the start of the offseason, and the possibility of a blockbuster trade could re-emerge again based on surprising developments surrounding the Washington Wizards on Monday.
According to ESPN's Marc J. Spears, the Wizards are one of multiple teams interested in a sign-and-trade for Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren. Why do the Wizards have interest in a $200 million center when they've already got three notable big men? Their interest can only suggest that they don't see Davis as a long-term part of the franchise as the All-Star big man prepares to play his first game in a Wizards jersey over the coming weeks.
Wizards' Jalen Duren interest puts Warriors on Anthony Davis trade alert
Duren wasn't at Pistons media day nor listed on their training camp roster, with the 22-year-old having until Thursday to pick up the $9.6 million qualifying offer which would allow him to enter unrestricted free agency next year.
Perhaps a sign-and-trade can take place over the coming days that lands Duren at one of the four interested teams -- the Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks. But even if it doesn't and Duren signs the qualifying offer or a lucrative $200 million contract, Washington have sent a message to Davis with their interest in a fellow big man who's over a decade younger.
There's already a crowded big man rotation to some degree with Davis, former second overall pick Alex Sarr, and former number one overall pick Deandre Ayton. One or perhaps two would have to make way if the Wizards were to land Duren, with Davis the obvious matching salary to send out.
It's not the first message the franchise has sent Davis since he was linked to Golden State amid their pursuit of former championship teammate LeBron James in free agency. The Wizards and the 33-year-old chose to put contract negotiations on hold, preferring to see how the start of the season pans out after Davis has played just 29 games since February last year.
Warriors might be looking for new center after Kristaps Porzingis illness
The other major development on Monday was the Warriors revealing that Kristaps Porzingis will miss training camp in Hawaii due to another bout of illness. It's hardly a positive start for the former All-Star who appeared in just 32 games last season, including 15 with Golden State after February's trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
If Porzingis' health continues to be an ongoing question mark and he misses more games than he plays during the first half of the season, Golden State could be looking for a new center before the mid-season trade deadline.
Davis might not be the solution given his own health concerns, but the Warriors might remain on alert given their interest in the past and the Wizards' now curious interest in Duren.
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