Golden State Warriors Star Named as Target in Potential Anthony Davis Trade

The NBA trade rumor mill is heating up as the February 5, 2026, deadline approaches, and one of the most intriguing developments involves Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis. Amid ongoing speculation about Davis’s future in Dallas—fueled by his injury history and the team’s disappointing 12-20 record—reports indicate that the Mavericks have actively shopped the 10-time All-Star, including reaching out to the Golden State Warriors.

According to multiple insiders, including Sam Amick of The Athletic, Dallas initiated contact with Golden State regarding a potential Davis trade. While the Warriors have long admired Davis as an ideal fit alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the discussions highlight a specific Warriors asset that Dallas covets: young forward Jonathan Kuminga. Sources confirm that the Mavericks view Kuminga as a primary target in any Davis deal, positioning the 23-year-old athletic wing as the “star” piece Dallas seeks to accelerate a retool around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

This revelation adds a fascinating layer to the rumor landscape. Kuminga, widely expected to be moved before the deadline after signing a two-year extension last offseason (becoming trade-eligible on January 15), represents the type of high-upside youth Dallas prioritizes. His $22.5 million salary this season falls short of matching Davis’s $54.1 million, necessitating additional pieces—like Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler—from Golden State to make numbers work. However, Warriors sources emphasize staunch opposition to including either veteran, making a deal appear unlikely at present.

Why Jonathan Kuminga Emerges as the Key Target

Kuminga’s name surfacing as Dallas’s focal point aligns perfectly with the Mavericks’ post-Luka Dončić pivot. Acquired in the blockbuster that sent Dončić to the Lakers (netting Davis, Max Christie, and the pick that became Flagg), Dallas now owns limited draft capital until 2031. Front office interim leaders prioritize impactful young talent to pair with the 19-year-old Flagg, who continues dominating as Rookie of the Month.

Kuminga fits the bill: A 6’8″ explosive athlete averaging solid production (hypothetical mid-teens points, strong rebounding/defense), he’s viewed league-wide as a disgruntled asset with star potential. Dallas sources indicate strong interest in Kuminga as a building block—versatile, cost-controlled (team option next year), and timeline-aligned with Flagg and emerging pieces like Christie.

Insiders note Dallas’s broader preferences: At least one young star plus picks or flexibility. Kuminga checks the “young star” box, especially if bundled with protection-less future drafts (Golden State owns some tradable firsts).

Warriors’ Internal Dilemma: Longstanding Davis Fondness vs. Core Protection

Golden State has internally discussed Davis for years, seeing him as the ultimate rim-running, paint-protecting big to complement Curry’s gravity and Green’s playmaking. When healthy, Davis transforms defenses—his 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and elite blocking would address the Warriors’ interior woes (ranking low in paint points allowed and rebounding).

Yet, barriers loom large:

• Salary Matching: Davis’s massive cap hit requires a high-salary return. Jimmy Butler ($54.1M) enables a near-straight swap, but Warriors show zero interest. Draymond Green ($25.8M) plus Kuminga gets closer, but Golden State is “staunchly against” moving their franchise pillar.
• Injury Risk: Davis has played just 18 games this season, echoing Lakers-era concerns. His groin strain (latest in a string) underscores durability doubts.
• Initiative from Dallas: Amick stressed the Mavericks called Golden State—not vice versa—suggesting the Warriors aren’t aggressively pursuing.

Team sources haven’t “completely closed the door,” but likelihood remains low. GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. prioritizes maximizing Curry’s window without gutting the core, potentially eyeing lesser upgrades (e.g., Michael Porter Jr. or Trey Murphy III) via Kuminga.

Hypothetical Frameworks and Complications

Mock proposals abound:

• Straight Kuminga-Centric: Kuminga + fillers/picks for Davis. Salaries don’t match without Green/Butler.
• Multi-Team: Involve third parties (e.g., Sacramento for Malik Monk) to reroute assets, sending Kuminga to Dallas while Warriors land Davis.
• Green-Involved Blockbuster: Green + Kuminga + picks for Davis. Dallas gains veteran leadership and youth; Warriors bet on Davis health for contention. Unlikely given Green’s untouchable status.

Complications include Kuminga’s January 15 eligibility and Davis’s upcoming extension eligibility ($275M potential). Teams wary of committing long-term amid injuries.

Broader Implications for Both Teams

For Dallas: Trading Davis signals full youth pivot. Recouping Kuminga accelerates Flagg-era contention, adding athleticism alongside Christie, P.J. Washington, and returning Kyrie Irving. Owner Patrick Dumont supports development; interim brass seeks assets lost in prior deals.

For Golden State: Acquiring Davis could vault them into title contention—Curry-Davis pick-and-rolls, elite defense. But risking Green fractures dynasty remnants. At 17-16 (playoff fringe), urgency exists, but not at core-dismantling cost.

Fan reactions split: Warriors Twitter debates “AD dream” vs. “keep Dray,” while Mavs fans eye Kuminga as “perfect Flagg partner.”

Other Suitors and Market Context

Dallas fields calls from Atlanta (Zaccharie Risacher interest), Detroit, Toronto, even Clippers/Bucks. Hawks lead, coveting Davis for contention but hesitant on premium assets (e.g., Pelicans’ loaded 2026 pick).

Davis’s market remains “unsettled”—talent undeniable, risks high. Recent dominant performances (e.g., vs. Houston) remind suitors of upside.

As deadline nears, Kuminga’s name as Dallas’s “target star” keeps Warriors-Mavericks link alive. Unlikely now, but NBA trades twist quickly—one injury, one hot streak, and doors reopen.

In a season of surprises—from Dončić’s exit to Flagg’s rise—this potential Curry-Davis pairing (with Kuminga as bait) captivates. Warriors hold leverage; Dallas holds the phone.