The Golden State Warriors are evaluating complex salary cap strategies to potentially acquire both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, following Draymond Green's decision to opt out of his contract on June 29, 2026.
According to a New York Times report, the potential roster overhaul hinges on precise salary matching and hard cap restrictions.
Trade Framework for Anthony Davis
To facilitate a trade for Davis from the Washington Wizards, Golden State must include forward Jimmy Butler to match salaries.
Butler's $56.8 million contract closely aligns with Davis' $58.5 million salary, making him the only realistic trade piece alongside draft capital since guard Stephen Curry remains untouchable.
The financial blueprint further requires Green to re-sign on a discounted deal, potentially around $52 million over three years.
This adjustment would lower his 2026-27 cap hit by $11 million, allowing the franchise to remain below the first apron salary threshold.
Path to Sign LeBron James
Staying under the first apron enables the Warriors to utilize their $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception to sign James in free agency.
Alternatively, Golden State could execute a sign-and-trade for James by sending Will Richard and Moses Moody to clear additional salary, which would grant the team greater flexibility to add depth.
The financial maneuver would likely prevent the Warriors from re-signing center Kristaps Porziņģis, who could instead become an outbound salary piece in a sign-and-trade.
Additional roster adjustments include Al Horford's agreed contract, De'Anthony Melton's player option, and rookie Lajae Jones filling out the remaining depth spots.
