The Washington Wizards don’t want to trade Anthony Davis, but that hasn’t stopped the Golden State Warriors from trying to get the future Hall of Famer in hopes of swaying LeBron James’ free agency decision. King James cannot base his last chapter on an AD trade. Washington is going to force someone to pay a hefty price, and Davis is not the same player that LeBron won a title with in 2020.
AD is extension-eligible starting on Aug. 6, and the Wizards have no choice but to pay him if they aren’t trading him. Davis wants a max extension from Washington, but may take less elsewhere. Even if he accepts a discount to play with LeBron, it will hamper the team's ability to compete.
LeBron wants to end his career chasing a championship. He can’t let Davis and the Wizards control his next team. AD has a lengthy injury history, and the duo won just two playoff series in their final four years together. James and Davis are friends, but this isn’t the answer for King James.
LeBron James can’t let an Anthony Davis trade decide how his career ends
Washington had trade talks with the Warriors, but the Wizards have a high asking price for the ten-time All-Star. They traded for Davis and have no reason to dump him. If Golden State isn’t willing to give up multiple draft picks, Washington should keep the future Hall of Famer.
The Wizards want to take a step forward to get back into contention this year. They acquired Trae Young and Davis to maximize the young core. They need AD’s defense and are already making trades to keep the superstar happy.
LeBron is entering his historic 24th NBA season. He just led the Lakers to a first-round playoff series win over the Rockets without Luka Doncic. King James is done in Los Angeles and controls his own destiny. He should pick the team that gives him the best shot to win, coupled with where he will be the happiest.
LeBron can play with Giannis, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, or Stephen Curry. Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards were also rumored to be in the running. He will have a superstar teammate and a shot to contend. There is no need to get his new team to overpay for Davis.
The Wizards are playing this perfectly. They want to extract the maximum value for AD. They should have a high asking price, especially if LeBron is only going to sign if his new team lands Davis. Washington is happy to keep the ten-time All-Star, so this is a win-win.
The Washington Wizards shouldn’t be controlling the LeBron James sweepstakes, but wisely buying low on Anthony Davis has got them a seat at the table. LeBron is slow-playing his decision and hoping someone makes a splash. He wants to play with AD again, but the Wizards want to keep the future Hall of Famer.
James will only get his way if his team is willing to pay a hefty price for Davis. So far, that hasn’t happened. If Washington gets their way, it won’t. Even if the Wizards do, LeBron shouldn’t let it.
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