Anthony Davis will reportedly be shopped around this trade deadline following an underwhelming start to the season for the Mavericks. One of the many teams interested in acquiring him is the Golden State Warriors.
While Davis is a 10-time All-Star and considered one of the best rim protectors, a trade to the Warriors isn’t a good idea.
Davis’ Injury History
One of the main criticisms of Davis is his inability to stay healthy for a consistent period of time. The 32-year-old is one of the most injury-prone stars in the league. Since joining the Dallas Mavericks, he has not played more than five games in a row.
The Warriors team could greatly utilize Davis’ tall frame, especially as a team that struggles to protect the paint and rebound the ball. The team currently ranks in the bottom half of opponent paint points allowed. A three-time league leader in blocks, his presence would allow the team to give up fewer easy drives to the baskets.
Though not known as a three-point shooter, his 32% from behind the arc this season is one of the highest of his career. Still, adding Davis would cause more harm to the Warriors than good.
Davis’ best years came when surrounded by other shot-makers and high-level scorers. Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter ever and one of the best players in the NBA. But outside of Curry, the Warriors don’t have many reliable scorers.
The best ability is availability. If Davis were to join the team, they’d need him to be available consistently. Davis has played in 55 or more games just once over the last five seasons. Meaning, he has missed at least a third of the season every year since he became a Laker.
Age-related Issues
On top of Davis’ long injury history, his age will be another detriment to the Warriors. The Chicago native will turn 33 in March; therefore, a move to the Bay would pair Curry with one of the oldest stars in the league.
Logistically, either Draymond Green or, more likely, Jimmy Butler III would be included in a potential trade package. Davis’ current contract aligns more with Butler’s. He isn’t the same player he once was, and his ability to take over games has slowly dwindled. However, Butler is much more reliable health-wise than Davis, despite being four years older.
Butler has played in nearly every game this season for the Warriors and has been healthy enough (overall) to sustain deep playoff runs for several years. Other than the Lakers’ championship run in 2020, Davis has dealt with nagging injuries throughout his subsequent postseasons.
Another player who could be involved in a deal for Davis is Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga’s youth and athleticism would theoretically make him a mainstay for the team.
But strings of DNPs and bad stretches of play mean that Kuminga will soon be shipped. If Kuminga was a part of a deal to acquire Davis, the Warriors would lose their young player with the most upside and replace him with an aging player.
Providing a lob threat to Curry in Davis could work wonders for the three-point record holder. But no matter how good an ideal fit would be, an acquisition is meaningless if Davis can’t stay on the court.
Better Options
The Warriors certainly need to provide more help to Curry. Various players will be available to acquire, either because of tanking teams or improper fit.
Between rim protectors, ball-handlers, and defensive wings, there will be a multitude of options that the Warriors can go after. Anthony Davis just shouldn’t be one of them.
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