Just when you think the possibility of an Anthony Davis trade has officially been shut down, the rumors resurface, making the idea that AD isn't in Washington when the regular season begins a real possibility.
Since the LeBron James sweepstakes began at the start of free agency, teams have made their pitches to the 41-year-old star, with only five squads being considered on the four-time MVP's shortlist.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors are two teams that still remain in heavy pursuit of the star veteran, but the indecision from James has led to several reports indicating that the holdup is the hope that an interested team could make a blockbuster trade for one of Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis.
According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, that's the belief league-wide, and for the Wizards, who have plans to extend Davis this offseason, Washington has close to zero reasons to move on from their bold trade deadline acquisition before he even plays a game.
Key words there: close to zero.
Wizards would trade Anthony Davis for Evan Mobley in a heartbeat
LeBron's hope for a reunion with two of his former teammates has turned attention to the trade market for Davis, even after Will Dawkins shut down trade rumors in a recent interview.
In O'Connor's latest report, the insider suggested that the scenarios looming for a trade to persuade James to sign would be the idea of either Irving being traded back to Cleveland or Davis landing in Golden State to form a Big Four alongside James, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
There are several reasons why the Wizards don't have interest in trading AD, but arguably the biggest is the fact that they haven't been presented with an offer they even deem worth considering.
Golden State's offer would be built around Jimmy Butler III's expiring contract, and coming off an ACL injury, it's fair to say that no matter how many picks the Warriors add, any offer there wouldn't peak interest from Washington.
And while the Cavaliers were listed as a landing spot for Irving and not necessarily Davis, it could be a move that makes perfect sense.
The Cavaliers' roster has weaknesses, and after being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals by the New York Knicks, there's an argument that they're not even a LeBron James away from a championship, at least not a 41-year-old LeBron.
Cleveland has A LOT of money tied into their frontcourt, with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combining for $78 million alone next season.
Moving on from Mobley would definitely take some convincing for the Cavs, considering what they have invested in the former top 3 pick.
Still, with the USC product yet to make the leap Cleveland hoped for, a chance to immediately contend for a championship could be enough to convince them to at least consider a one-for-one swap.
Davis is on an expiring deal, and while the Cavaliers could extend him in August, they'd at least have the option to see things through. Not to mention, keeping Allen would allow Davis to play alongside a viable starting center like he's been pleading for his entire career.
As for the Wizards, pairing a defensive menace with extreme offensive upside alongside Alex Sarr and AJ Dybantsa in the frontcourt is the exact type of return that could force their hand to consider an Anthony Davis trade.
At 25, Mobley would fit the Wizards' long-term future and still keep the dream of competing in the East next season very much alive.
Is it a likely deal that will come to fruition? Probably not.
If the Cavs are truly committed to bringing James back to The Land for another championship run, it's going to come at a cost, and Washington has all the leverage for whatever team calls.
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