NBA Trade Rumors: $121 Million Star’s Future Thrown Into Chaos as Warriors Quietly Approach Mavericks for Anthony Davis

The Golden State Warriors were involved in one of the biggest trades last season when they acquired disgruntled star Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. If a recent rumor is to be believed, the Warriors will be engaging in a transaction with another team that had made headlines with a blockbuster trade.

According to this rumor, the Warriors have opened "preliminary trade discussions" with the Dallas Mavericks in order to potentially acquire Anthony Davis. Reportedly, the Warriors would be willing to part ways with Butler (who signed a $121 million contract extension with the team) to make this deal happen.

NBATradeReport

@NBATradeReport

Golden State and Dallas have held preliminary trade discussions about a potential Jimmy Butler-for-Anthony Davis swap. #NBA

At this point, both Western Conference teams are in serious need of an upgrade; the Warriors are struggling to stay at .500, while the Mavericks have won just eight of their first 24 games. However, a Butler-for-Davis trade brings both short-term advantages and long-term problems for the two teams involved.

For the Warriors, planting the seeds for a future beyond Steph Curry and Draymond Green makes sense, as both four-time champions are past their prime. While acquiring Davis could make them a playoff contender for a season or two, Davis is also an aging star who has been injury-prone.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks have a cornerstone that they can build around in Cooper Flagg. Though the 36-year-old Butler is supremely talented, the Mavericks might be better suited to acquire draft picks instead.

There are two months to go before the trade deadline, and there are many possibilities for the Warriors and Mavericks to explore. For one reason or another, a Butler-for-Davis trade could indeed happen.

NBA insider claims that trade rumor involving Warriors and Mavericks is false

For what it's worth, one writer has doused cold water on the Butler-for-Davis rumor. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, there is no truth to the report that the Warriors have contacted the Mavericks for a potential Davis trade.

Brett Siegel

@BrettSiegelNBA

There is zero truth to the Warriors-Anthony Davis rumor. Golden State has NOT contacted Dallas about Davis, nor do they intend to this season.

This past week, Siegel and Chris Dodson reported that the Warriors are eyeing New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones. They added that the Los Angeles Lakers are also interested in Jones, who is averaging 9.5 points and 3.8 rebounds this season.