The Golden State Warriors came into this season with championship aspirations. They acquired Jimmy Butler at last season’s trade deadline and finished the year 23-8. They bounced the second seed Rockets in the first round and lost in five games to the Timberwolves, although Stephen Curry pulled his hamstring in the first game of the series.
Fast forward to this season and the Warriors look nothing like the version we saw to end last year. They sit at 16-15, are just 6-11 on the road, and this month, they are just 5-5. They are 17th in offensive rating, and the team just lacks juice outside of Curry and Butler.
Golden State needs a jolt so it’s not another lost season for them. Acquiring this former All-NBA big man should be their new year’s priority.
The Warriors must go all-in to acquire Mavs center Anthony Davis
There have been rumors about Dallas potentially trading Davis at the deadline, given their current position in the West. Davis isn’t getting any younger, so getting assets while he’s still productive could be a path the Mavs take. Golden State has also reportedly considered entering the Davis sweepstakes.
Davis has been close to his usual self this season on the court. He is averaging about 21 points per game, 11 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. He is also shooting 52 percent from the field.
The problem with Davis has always been injuries. He has already battled calf and groin issues this season and has only played 16 games on the year.
So why should Golden State take the risk? With Davis in tow, they would be able to lean into their defense even more. They are currently fourth in the NBA in defensive rating this month (109.1).
The Warriors only blemish defensively is their lack of rim protection and who better to fix that than Davis, who has been one of the elite paint defenders throughout his career. Having him alongside Butler and Draymond Green would make Golden State one of the more scary defenses out West.
The Warriors simply cannot stand pat and expect to compete in a loaded Western Conference. Having Davis in the fold will give them the size needed to deal with the likes of Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Alperen Sengun.
Curry doesn’t have many prime years left and maximizing the end of his career has been Golden State’s top priority. They should continue that theme by getting Davis prior to this season’s trade deadline.
