Golden State’s front office was apparently split on a move that could’ve totally changed things, with a “small contingent” wanting to trade Jimmy Butler and some draft picks for Anthony Davis from the Washington Wizards. But here’s the kicker: Davis has only played 29 games since Dallas pulled off that wild trade for Luka Doncic from the Lakers in early 2025. Yeah, you read that right. Just 29 games.
The Injury Report That Sank The Deal
Look, if you’re too injury-prone for the Warriors, that’s really saying something. This is the team that gave Kristaps Porzingis $40 million after he missed 90 games over his last two seasons! Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, have made it clear he wants an extension, and with $121 million still left on his existing contract, that’s a huge commitment for a guy who’s been sidelined more often than not. Could they have just traded for him and hoped he’d play? Sure, but who wants Rich Paul calling them constantly about an extension for a player who can’t stay on the court? Danny Emmerman even claimed Butler was trying to come back to the Warriors “as early as Christmas,” which seems about as likely as Davis going a whole season without pulling a hamstring, spraining an ankle, or crashing a scooter while recovering from plantar fasciitis. Hard pass on that kind of drama.
Rich Paul’s Masterclass In Agent Deals
Maybe part of Golden State’s hesitation came from Rich Paul’s track record. This guy plays chess, not checkers. Remember Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? He got a buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies to join LeBron James on the Philadelphia 76ers, then signed a $17.75 million deal with the Lakers in 2017. Why? Partially so Paul had an excuse to talk to the Lakers front office without tampering, a full year before James’s free agency. Fast forward two years to when the Lakers traded for Davis. Rob Pelinka made that trade official *before* the NBA draft, which cost him the chance to offer Kawhi Leonard a full max contract. Paul agreed to have Davis waive his $4 million trade kicker, but only if the Lakers agreed to re-sign KCP if “The Claw” went elsewhere. Kawhi went to the Clippers, and Caldwell-Pope got his two-year deal. You gotta respect the hustle, but you also gotta be wary of it.
So, how big was this “small contingent” in the front office, and were any of them named Lacob? Because if the answer is zero Lacobs, then it makes total sense why this deal never saw the light of day. Dodged a bullet, Golden State, you seriously dodged a bullet.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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