Warriors Covet Anthony Davis But Won't Trade Green or Butler

Merlin sees Golden State quietly explore Anthony Davis as a target, with reporters saying they "discussed a Davis deal with the Mavericks, with team sources indicating that the door was not completely closed." The snag is simple math and loyalty. The Athletic notes the Warriors are "staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green ($25.8 million this season) or Jimmy Butler ($54.1 million)," so finding a financially workable swap is unlikely. Davis, battling calf and groin issues, still produced 19 points and 16 rebounds in Dallas's recent win while the Warriors sit 19-18 and hunt upgrades before the Feb. 5 deadline. Merlin whispers that acquiring Davis would be powerful but costly. Golden State’s core assets and payroll form a protective circle around its title hopes; breaking it would change the team’s identity. Expect noise and curiosity, not a sudden blockbuster.