Anthony Davis could be on the move to the Golden State Warriors, as the team attempts to clear cap space to sign LeBron James. On Monday, Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
What happened?
The Warriors' chances of signing James improved when he told the Lakers he wouldn't return. The team then re-signed Kristaps Porziņģis to a two-year, $40 million deal.
The Warriors are $32.5 million beneath the first apron, with $176.5 million devoted to 10 players, including Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. They need to add four more players for less than $32.5 million.
How can the Warriors create money for LeBron and Draymond?
Salary-cap guru Yossi Goslan suggests the Warriors can give LeBron the $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. This would leave $17.4 million to pay Green and two more veteran-minimum deals.
Green might accept a lower salary, around $12 million in the first year, with max 8% increases. The Warriors could also move off some other money, potentially trading Moses Moody.
What about Anthony Davis?
The Warriors could trade Jimmy Butler's $56.8 million contract for Davis' $58.5 million. They would absorb the extra $1.5 million on Davis' deal, which would count toward their final number.
If the Warriors trade Moody, they would have around $8.5 million more to give Green in the first year. This could take him up to near $20 million annually, similar to Porziņģis' deal.
The Warriors' roster shuffle is ongoing, with the team trying to fit James and potentially Davis under the salary cap. On Tuesday, James informed the Lakers he wouldn't return, making the Warriors frontrunners to sign him.
The team's moves will depend on various factors, including Green's contract and potential trades. The Warriors will need to add players while staying under the salary cap.
The NBA free agency period is underway, with teams making moves to improve their rosters. The Warriors are among the teams looking to make a splash, with James and Davis potentially joining their roster.
The Warriors' chances of signing James and Davis will depend on their ability to clear cap space. They will need to make strategic moves to fit the players under the salary cap.
The team's fans are eagerly awaiting news on the potential signings. The Warriors' roster shuffle is expected to continue in the coming days, with the team trying to build a competitive roster for the 2026-27 season.