Davis to Warriors deal looks odd

NEW YORK -- The Golden State Warriors’ interior problems were exposed on Monday (Manila time) in Toronto.

A day later, NBA insider Marc Stein explained why the most obvious solution — a trade for Anthony Davis — is not realistically in play.

Golden State blew a 12-point fourth-quarter lead and collapsed in a 127-141 overtime loss to the Raptors, a game defined by Toronto’s size, rebounding and physicality. Scottie Barnes finished with 23 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists, matching a franchise record for rebounds while repeatedly punishing the Warriors in the paint.

The Warriors played long stretches without a true center and struggled to protect the rim late. Toronto closed the game with size and athleticism. Golden State countered with shooting — and little resistance.

They only have a 24-hour turnaround time as they visit the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday (Manila time). Despite the loss, the Warriors are pegged as a 3.5 favorite, according to Coin Casino.

Hours after the overtime meltdown in Toronto, Stein reported that while the Warriors have held internal discussions about Davis, they are not actively pursuing a trade for the 10-time All-Star because they lack a viable path to acquire him.

“The Warriors have held a longstanding fondness for Davis and I’m told that they have indeed had some internal discussions about pursuing him,” Stein wrote. “But they do not appear to be actively doing so six-ish weeks out from the deadline.

“Golden State, for starters, has no realistic pathway to acquire Davis unless it is also willing to part with Jimmy Butler or franchise fixture Draymond Green,” Stein added.

“I’m likewise told that Davis’ contract — with potentially two years still left on it if the 32-year-old exercises his $62.7 million player option in 2027–28 — and the injury woes he has endured since becoming a Maverick have thrust a measure of pause into Golden State’s deliberations.”

Davis is owed $58.5 million next season and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2026–27. He is also eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in August.

Chris Haynes previously reported that Dallas has little interest in Golden State’s current trade assets.

“I was told that Dallas was not that fascinated with what Golden State has on its books,” Haynes said on NBA on Amazon Prime.

The Warriors control up to four tradable first-round picks, but league sources indicate Dallas would seek a foundational player — not just draft capital — if it ever entertained parting with Davis.

For now, the Warriors’ championship hopes will depend on internal adjustments, as their window around Stephen Curry continues to narrow.