With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 6th, speculation surrounding potential trades involving Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis has intensified.
Adding to this discourse, Bill Simmons, in a recent podcast episode, proposed an intriguing blockbuster trade scenario involving Davis and the Golden State Warriors.
This proposition comes amidst reports that Davis exerted pressure on the Lakers organization prior to the deadline. While the outcome of this pressure remains uncertain, Simmons’s trade proposal offers a compelling hypothetical scenario for consideration.
Los Angeles Lakers Get: Draymond Green, Dennis Schroder, Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis
Golden State Warriors Get: Anthony Davis
“We’re going to trade Davis to the Warriors,” Simmons said. “We’re going to get back your buddy Green, Schroder’s expiring, (Jonathan) Kuminga, (Trayce) Jackson-Davis, Golden State’s ‘25 and ‘27 1st’s, and a pick swap that’s LA’s call… we’re cashing in.
“It’s a pretty good trade, if they’re getting Draymond, Schroder, Kuminga, they get to roll the dice with him, Jackson-Davis. If you’re the Warriors, you still have enough left and you’re going to build around Davis and (Stephen) Curry going down the stretch. You probably could get creative with some other moves.”
This proposed trade would significantly alter the Warriors’ team dynamic. The departure of Green and Kuminga would leave a considerable void in the team’s roster, creating a significant gap in their defensive intensity and offensive versatility.
The Lakers, while actively seeking to improve their roster through trades, may not necessarily need to part ways with Anthony Davis. When healthy, Davis remains one of the league’s most dominant big men, excelling on both ends of the court. His elite rim protection, post defense, and even solid perimeter skills significantly elevate the Lakers’ defensive potential.
For the Golden State Warriors, acquiring a player of Davis’ caliber would represent a unique opportunity. While Curry has played alongside legendary players like Kevin Durant, he has never had the chance to partner with a dominant, stretch-five center like Davis. The potential of a Curry-Davis pick-and-roll combination is undeniably intriguing.
However, the Lakers may be reluctant to trade Davis while LeBron James remains on the roster. The duo previously achieved championship success together in 2020, and with James’s career entering its twilight years, the urgency to capitalize on their remaining window of opportunity is evident.
Ultimately, both the Lakers and the Warriors could potentially benefit from acquiring Davis, making this a complex and intriguing trade scenario with significant implications for both franchises.