Warriors predicted to cut ties with Jimmy Butler, acquire $186 million ex-Lakers NBA champion star

The Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of LeBron James is no secret by now. 

The seven-time NBA champions are hoping to add the 41-year-old star to the roster after he revealed that he has zero intentions of competing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2026-27. 

Additionally, the Dubs want to acquire former Lakers star and NBA champion Anthony Davis, which will allow them to enter the upcoming season with a dynamic Big 4 of James, Davis, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green (he opted out of his $27.7 million player option with the Warriors to give the organization more financial flexibility, but is expected to re-sign). 

However, the Washington Wizards aren’t interested in trading Davis right now, complicating a potential blockbuster deal. CBS Sports’ John Gonzalez still thinks it could occur, though, even going as far as to predict the Warriors will swap Jimmy Butler for Davis this summer.

“Jimmy Butler, it was fun-ish while it lasted, but his services in the Bay Area are no longer required,” Gonzalez wrote Tuesday. “I'm skeptical we get this much of an offseason bombshell in the form of Steph, LeBron, Draymond, and AD all teaming up.”

“I'm skeptical that Davis, who has played just 29 games since the Lakers traded him 17 months ago -- which simultaneously feels impossibly low and too high -- is healthy and available enough to make an impact even if Golden State can swap him out for Butler.”

“I'm skeptical that even if this happens, and even if everything breaks right, that the overall roster would be a true contender in the West. I'm skeptical -- but I want it to happen anyway. The entertainment value alone would be outrageous.”

Health-wise, adding Davis to the fold would be a highly risky move for the Dubs. The 33-year-old hasn’t been able to avoid the injury bug lately, as he’s been plagued by upper and lower body setbacks since the start of his second season with the Lakers (2020-21). 

However, if trading for Davis will appease James and make it more likely for him to take his talents to the Bay, there’s a good chance they’ll do what it takes to lure him to the Bay. 

The Wizards seem to have their minds made up on Davis’ future with the franchise, though, which doesn’t bode well for the Warriors’ super team idea.

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