Anthony Davis Could Cost Warriors Three First‑Round Picks in Trade Talks
Anthony Davis emerged as the linchpin in Golden State’s latest trade chatter on July 8, with insiders saying the Lakers star would demand three of the Warriors’ tradable first‑round selections to make a move possible.
The discussion sparked after radio host Joe DeCamara floated a blockbuster swap involving Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler. While the Embiid‑Butler scenario dominated headlines, DeCamara noted that the Warriors’ real obstacle to landing LeBron James is securing a dominant big man-Anthony Davis. He explained that without Davis, any package for James looks thin, especially given the Lakers’ willingness to part with draft assets.
Shams Charania and Bobby Marks, both cited by ESPN, warned that pulling Davis from the Lakers could cost Golden State all three of its remaining first‑round picks. Those picks are currently tradable, meaning the Warriors would have to surrender them to the Lakers to meet Davis’s contract value and the league’s salary‑matching rules. The price tag reflects Davis’s $41 million annual salary and the need for the Warriors to balance their cap.
DeCamara’s alternative plan swaps Embiid for Butler, a deal that would keep the Warriors’ draft capital intact while adding a proven MVP‑caliber center. However, Embiid’s recent injury history-missing 39, 19 and 38 games over the past three seasons-makes the proposal risky. In contrast, Davis has stayed relatively healthy, playing 71 games last season, which adds weight to the argument that the Warriors might prefer his reliability despite the steep draft cost.
If Golden State decides the draft capital is too high, they may pivot to the Embiid‑Butler route, hoping the combination of Steph Curry and a healthy Embiid can still attract James. Yet the 76ers have emerged as a top destination for the 42‑year‑old superstar, joining the Cavaliers and Heat. The Warriors’ early‑season positioning now hinges on whether they can afford Davis’s price tag or find a less costly path to a championship‑ready roster.
Warriors executives are expected to weigh the long‑term impact of losing three first‑round picks against the immediate boost Davis would provide. The decision will likely unfold over the next few weeks as the NBA’s trade deadline approaches and free‑agency negotiations intensify. Fans should watch for official statements from GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and any counter‑offers from the Lakers that might lower the draft price.
The Davis debate underscores how elite talent now commands not just cash but future assets. Teams like Golden State must decide whether to gamble on a star’s prime or preserve draft flexibility for rebuilding. As the offseason heats up, the ripple effects of this conversation will shape roster constructions across the league.