As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the market is beginning to take shape. Some big names are in the rumor mill this year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo casts a shadow over everyone. He’s an in-prime MVP candidate. If Antetokounmpo gets moved, it’ll change the NBA.
That said, it wasn’t so long ago that the Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis would have been held in the same regard. Today, his value has been somewhat muted by recurring injury issues.
Here’s a deal that has the Golden State Warriors rolling the dice on him anyway.
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Anthony Davis in Multi-Team Swap
Dallas Mavericks Receive:
Sacramento Kings Receive:
Golden State Warriors Receive:
Why the Dallas Mavericks Do the Deal
The Mavericks made an ill-fated decision to acquire Davis in the first place. They moved beloved superstar Luka Doncic, and then got extraordinarily lucky by landing Cooper Flagg in the draft.
Now, it’s time for them to put the right pieces around Flagg.
Green could be a perfect mentor for the young defensive stud. Monk is a nice complementary piece. Horford is another mentor, although he’s mostly contract filler here. Yet, none of these players is integral to this deal for Dallas:
They’re doing it for the picks.
If they can get more first-rounders for Davis elsewhere, they should make that move. Above all else, the Mavericks should abandon any win-now pursuits in favor of looking to a bright future with Flagg.
Why the Sacramento Kings Do the Deal
The Kings are in a tough spot. They don’t have many desirable players, and they don’t have a surplus of draft capital. What should they do?
Taking a swing at a promising young player in need of a fresh start could be the move. Kuminga’s touches and usage have declined in Golden State this year. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the organization is not going to prioritize Kuminga.
The Kings could do just that. For Sacramento, this is a buy-low opportunity that could pay massive dividends if Kuminga flourishes.
It won’t solve all their problems. The Kings will still be flush with ball-dominant veterans who don’t complement each other. Still, Kuminga could be a needed bright spot for a team in a dark place. If he pans out, they can start moving those veterans to clear the lane for their new young star.
Why the Golden State Warriors Do the Deal
The Warriors have been linked to Davis in plenty of places. Frankly, it’s questionable whether they even should make the move. This is a distinctly dying dynasty. Is it time to go softly into the light?
Perhaps. Still, the Warriors won’t trade Steph Curry. That’s just not what’s done in this situation. He’ll see the rest of his illustrious career out with the only NBA home he’s known.
So why not get him some help?
Curry, Davis, and Jimmy Butler are a formidable trio. They’ll be surrounded by solid role players like Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II. Who knows? The Warriors could be a title contender after making this move:
Even if Davis isn’t the biggest name on the market.