The Golden State Warriors’ grand plan to land LeBron James this summer always had a second layer. It was never just about getting James. The real play, according to league insiders, involved pairing him with Anthony Davis in a blockbuster package. But new intel out of Washington suggests that dream scenario just got a lot harder to pull off.
The Wizards recently traded for Deandre Ayton from the Lakers. And while that move initially sparked speculation that Davis might be on his way out, multiple reports now indicate the opposite. Washington reportedly sees Ayton as a partner for Davis, not a replacement.
Wizards not treating Ayton deal as a precursor to Davis exit
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line wrote this week that the Ayton acquisition should not be viewed as a sign Davis is leaving. In fact, Washington envisions a two-big lineup with Ayton playing alongside both Davis and rookie Alex Sarr at different points.
“It will be easier to answer that more definitively later this summer after Davis becomes eligible Aug. 6 for a contract extension that he clearly wants — especially after the new deal Trae Young landed — but sources say that Washington’s looming acquisition of Ayton should not be automatically deemed a precursor to Davis’ exit,” Fischer reported.
That’s a direct blow to the Warriors’ hopes. The team has not confirmed any plans involving Davis or James, but the chatter around the league has been consistent. Golden State wanted to use a James-Davis package to supercharge a core that already includes Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
What this means for Golden State’s summer plans
Shams Charania broke it down on ESPN’s “Get Up” recently. He said the Warriors’ front office had dreamed up a scenario where they land James and Davis together. But Charania also made it clear that without Davis, the Warriors aren’t at the top of LeBron’s list.
“The Warriors going into free agency, they dreamt up a grand plan of Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, LeBron James. The big domino with them is trying to get a player like an Anthony Davis, you can bring in LeBron James and Anthony Davis as a package deal. Short of that, they’re not really looked at right now at the top of this list,” Charania said.
That’s pretty direct. The Warriors might have the appeal of Curry and a winning culture, but James reportedly has other suitors. The 76ers just added Jaylen Brown. The Cavs and Heat are also in the mix, according to Charania. Golden State needs Davis to be the real lure, and Washington just made it clear they’re not eager to deal him.
The Wizards’ front office sees value in a twin-tower setup, something more teams are trying around the league. Ayton is still young, Davis is still elite when healthy, and Sarr gives them a developmental piece. That trio of bigs gives Washington flexibility, not a reason to tear things down.
For Warriors fans, the Ayton trade might have looked like an opportunity. But the reporting suggests otherwise. Davis becomes eligible for an extension on August 6, and he’s expected to push for it. Washington has shown no signs of wanting to move him.
So where does that leave Golden State? Stuck waiting on James to make a decision without the co-star they wanted to offer. Maybe they pivot to a different trade target. Maybe they run it back with the current group. But the big domino they were counting on might not fall at all.
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