The Golden State Warriors are attempting to acquire both LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Golden State wants to sign James in free agency and trade for Davis from the Washington Wizards, while keeping both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
What once seemed like a pipedream suddenly seems realistic after Green’s latest contract decision.
Draymond Green’s Opt Out Is Huge Development in LeBron James-Anthony Davis Pursuit
The Warriors veteran declined his $27.7 million player option, choosing to enter unrestricted free agency.
ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania explained why Green’s decision matters.
“This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4,” Charania wrote on X.
Green, James, and Davis are all represented by Rich Paul, so it is certainly possible that he has some insight into James and Davis’ plans. Opting out of $27.7 million is a big decision, and it suggests that the Warriors are one step closer to one of the boldest roster overhauls in recent NBA history.
Green’s decision does not necessarily mean his time with the Warriors has ended. Again, Golden State’s goal is reportedly to re-sign Green and have him be part of a Big 4 with James, Curry, and Davis. It’s worth noting that Green said in May that he could not picture himself playing for another franchise. Back in April, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that Golden State preferred Green to decline the option and return on a longer contract with a lower yearly salary, giving the franchise greater financial flexibility to make moves.
If Green agrees to a new team-friendly contract, the Warriors could create additional cap room and put more talent around their veteran core.
While the Warriors’ pursuit of James and Davis is making headlines, it remains to be seen if they can pull it off. Yahoo Sports’ NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor, who initially reported Golden State’s pursuit of James and Davis, noted that Washington has no desire to move Davis at this stage.
“He wants to be here. We want him here,” Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said on ESPN’s NBA Draft broadcast last week.
The Wizards just gave Trae Young a four-year, $212 million extension and seem determined to end their five-year playoff drought after selecting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Because of that, swapping Davis for the injured Jimmy Butler, who is recovering from a torn ACL, does not fit with the Wizards’ current plans.
The Warriors have an ambitious plan, but it remains to be seen if it will come to fruition. Green’s contract decision may have opened new possibilities and signaled the seriousness of their pursuit, yet several hurdles remain before this superteam dream becomes reality.
