"He better not come to Golden State" - NBA Fans Explode After Anthony Davis Sits Out Against Kings Amid Warriors Trade Buzz

Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis was sidelined against the Sacramento Kings due to right adductor soreness. Saturday's game was Davis' 17th missed game this season.

Davis suffered right groin spasms during the second quarter of Dallas' 126-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. Multiple reports on Friday indicated that the 10-time NBA All-Star might miss the remainder of the Mavericks' three-game road trip, which will conclude on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Amid Davis' injury, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Golden State has explored the idea of making a blockbuster trade for the one-time champion.

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"I was told they're contemplating making a case to acquire Anthony Davis," Haynes said on Friday's "NBA on Prime."

Several fans connected Davis' missing Saturday's game against the Kings to the latest rumors.

"He better not come to Golden State," one fan tweeted.

Other fans mentioned the Atlanta Hawks, a team that Haynes said is also interested in trading for Davis.

Several fans criticized Davis' injury woes, which have hampered the big man throughout his career. This season, he missed nearly the whole of November due to a lingering injury in his calf.

Coming into Saturday's game against Sacramento, Dallas is No. 11 in the Western Conference with a 12-20 record.

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Anthony Davis fits what Golden State is looking for in a big man

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on "NBA on Prime" on Dec. 20 that the Golden State Warriors are eyeing an athletic big man to add size and athleticism. According to Haynes, the Warriors hope the big man could help the team in rebounding and blocking shots, areas in which Golden State is ranked in the bottom half of the league.

Haynes followed that report with an update on Friday that the Warriors are interested in Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis. Per Haynes, the team views Davis as a potential difference-maker who could help the team as they make a playoff push. However, Haynes noted that Golden State lacks assets that could lure Dallas to a trade.

"With that being said, I was told that Dallas was not that fascinated with what Golden State has on its books," Haynes said on Friday. "If the Warriors did really want to make a true play at Anthony Davis, they would likely have to acquire some more assets or involve another team."

When healthy, Anthony Davis fits the mold of what Golden State is seeking in the trade market. In 16 games, the 32-year-old star is averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks on 52.1% shooting.

In trading for Davis, the Warriors will take an enormous risk, considering his injury history and inability to stay healthy. In addition, Golden State must take into account his massive contract. Davis makes $54.1 million this season and $58.5 million next season. He holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos