The Golden State Warriors are exploring aggressive roster changes ahead of NBA free agency, targeting a trade for Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis and a subsequent signing of free agent forward LeBron James, according to league sources.
Trade Package and Financial Hurdles
Acquiring Davis would require the Warriors to send forward Jimmy Butler and draft capital, including two first-round picks and four pick swaps, to the Wizards.
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The front office views Davis as a key recruiting tool to lure James from the Los Angeles Lakers once free agency opens.
However, the Wizards have indicated a desire to keep Davis after signing guard Trae Young to a four-year, $212 million extension.
Davis is eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on August 6.
"He wants to be here. We want him here," said Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins.
He added that discussions will take place in mid-August.
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The Warriors face financial constraints, sitting about $20 million below the first apron.
Signing James may require him to accept a discounted mid-level exception worth roughly $15 million, creating a hard cap for a roster with only 10 players under contract.
Butler, recovering from a torn ACL, holds an expiring $57 million contract. He recently participated in a team event and addressed trade rumors.
"If I get traded, I get traded. Their job is to win," Butler said.
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He added that if the team believes someone else can help quicker, they should make that move.
