Anthony Davis is not available. Despite growing speculation surrounding the Golden State Warriors and their pursuit of LeBron James, the Washington Wizards have made it clear that Davis is not on the trade market.
The Wizards have no interest in moving the All-Star forward and are not entertaining offers, according to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.
The reports surfaced after ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that the Warriors intend to pursue LeBron James in free agency. Golden State also explored scenarios that could potentially reunite James with Davis, his former Lakers teammate.
League sources told Charania that Draymond Green declining his $27.6 million player option created additional flexibility for Golden State. Green, James and Davis are all represented by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
League sources believe the Warriors’ interest in Davis could help attract James to the Bay Area. However, there has been little actual movement between Golden State and Washington.
If the Warriors were to seriously pursue Davis, any deal would likely involve Jimmy Butler, who is entering the final year of his contract while recovering from ACL surgery. Butler is set to earn $56.8 million next season, while Davis will make $58.4 million.
Washington, however, views Davis as one of the foundations of its future.
“What we’re getting with both of them are players who are motivated and have a chip on their shoulder, as well,” Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said at the NBA Draft Lottery according to ESPN. “Obviously, our young guys want to get out there and prove that they can do it, as well. But I think you’re walking into a storm of motivation from the coaching staff to our young developmental players that want to take their next step as things they want to prove and establish themselves.
“But also, Anthony Davis was coming off of being on two teams [Lakers and Dallas Mavericks] in two years and Trae Young, the way he left Atlanta, you’re finding guys that want to be in D.C. and want to compete together and I think have some chips on their shoulders. Those are the horses we want to put our bets on.”
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