Anthony Davis Leverages Warriors for Maximum Payday-NBA Insiders Weigh In
**Anthony Davis is reportedly using Golden State Warriors rumors to extract a lucrative contract extension from the Washington Wizards, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst.**
On July 13, 2026, Windhorst suggested on *The Rich Eisen Show* that Davis, alongside LeBron James and Draymond Green, might be leveraging the Warriors’ pursuit as a bargaining chip. The Warriors’ reported interest in assembling a ‘Big 4’-Curry, Green, James, and Davis-has sparked speculation about whether this is a genuine move or a calculated strategy to secure max deals elsewhere.
Windhorst cited skepticism from NBA executives, who doubt the Warriors’ ability to land all three stars. Instead, they believe Davis, James, and Green are using Golden State as a distraction. The Lakers recently increased Austin Reaves’ offer to $185 million after the Pistons created cap space, while the Wizards just handed Trae Young a $200 million extension.
Davis, eligible for a Wizards extension this offseason, could push for a deal rivaling Young’s. Meanwhile, James and Green-both unrestricted free agents-stand to benefit if their current teams (Lakers and Warriors) outbid competitors. Windhorst framed it bluntly: *“If I’m Anthony Davis, I’m saying, ‘Why shouldn’t I get a contract like Trae Young?’”*
The Warriors’ front office, including owner Joe Lacob, may face pressure to act swiftly. But with James at 41, Curry at 38, Green at 36, and Davis at 33, questions linger about longevity. Analyst Sam Esfandiari called the Warriors *“easy marks,”* implying Lacob’s team could overpay to assemble a superteam-only for players to bolt for bigger contracts elsewhere.
The Wizards, Lakers, and Warriors all hold leverage. Davis could force Washington’s hand, while James and Green might demand extensions before free agency. If the Warriors fail to land all three, the offseason could still see Davis-now a two-time All-Star-signing a deal worth well over $200 million, matching Young’s record extension.