SAN FRANCISCO – If the Golden State Warriors miss out on landing Anthony Davis this trade season, they will not be short on potential frontcourt options to bolster their roster, though careful planning will be required to avoid settling for mediocrity before the February 5 trade deadline.

The Warriors, coming off a season with high expectations, understand that roster stagnation could jeopardize their championship window, and team executives are actively evaluating potential moves to strengthen the frontcourt, especially in light of Klay Thompson’s remaining year-and-a-half on his contract.

In the opinion of Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley, Golden State could pursue a multi-team trade involving Buddy Hield and Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, while also leveraging players such as Jonathan Kuminga and Malik Monk to create cap space and draft compensation flexibility.

Akeley suggested a proposed scenario in which Thompson and Gafford would arrive in Golden State, Jonathan Kuminga would head to Sacramento, and Malik Monk, Buddy Hield, and two future second-round picks would be sent to Dallas, giving the Warriors both immediate and long-term roster flexibility.

The underlying strategy, according to Akeley, would allow Golden State to acquire Malik Monk, who is considered easier to trade in the offseason than Klay Thompson, while retaining the ability to part ways with Buddy Hield to free up future salary cap room.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks might receive draft compensation from both the Kings and the Warriors, incentivizing them to make the trade despite Gafford’s standalone value, which remains solid for a reserve big man capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.

Daniel Gafford, a 6-foot-10 center from Arkansas, has been a consistent contributor off the bench for Dallas this season, averaging 8.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 63.2% from the field in 23 games, demonstrating reliability in limited minutes.

Though Gafford’s offensive game remains largely confined to the paint, his ability to finish pick-and-roll plays efficiently, protect the rim, and contest shots makes him a valuable asset for a Warriors frontcourt that occasionally struggles defensively against high-level big men.

Critics might note that Gafford’s lack of perimeter shooting could hinder spacing for Golden State’s guards and wings, particularly in an offense built around three-point shooting, movement, and floor spacing, but his energy, defensive presence, and pick-and-roll versatility offset those concerns.

Klay Thompson’s role in this proposed trade is also pivotal. Moving him off the starting lineup while retaining his shooting ability off the bench would allow the Warriors to maximize offensive spacing while giving younger players opportunities to grow in starting roles.

Buddy Hield, meanwhile, could be considered a salary dump candidate, freeing up cap space for the Warriors to pursue additional upgrades or retain flexibility for the 2026 free-agent class, which could include multiple frontcourt or wing options.

The proposed trade also highlights Golden State’s willingness to think creatively at the deadline, balancing veteran talent like Thompson with emerging contributors, and strategically using draft compensation to sweeten deals for trading partners, which could facilitate multiple roster improvements.

From Dallas’ perspective, acquiring Buddy Hield, Malik Monk, and future draft picks could accelerate their rebuilding timeline around promising young talent such as Cooper Flagg, allowing the Mavericks to shed veterans, accumulate assets, and remain competitive while preparing for a future core.

Gafford’s fit in Golden State, though not without challenges, could provide the Warriors with a high-motor center capable of controlling the paint, contesting shots, and finishing efficiently around the rim, a contrast to their perimeter-heavy offensive philosophy but complementary on defense.

Historically, Golden State has leveraged versatile big men like Kevon Looney and James Wiseman to anchor defensive schemes and provide pick-and-roll stability, and Gafford’s addition would continue that tradition while offering energy, toughness, and situational scoring off the bench.

While the Mavericks’ Gafford hasn’t expanded his offensive game to include consistent mid-range or three-point shooting, his ability to run the floor, screen effectively, and finish with precision could mitigate spacing concerns, particularly when paired with sharpshooters in the backcourt.

From a strategic standpoint, Akeley emphasizes that Golden State cannot allow mediocrity to persist. Whether or not they land Anthony Davis, pursuing a trade that improves the frontcourt, adds defensive versatility, and maintains offensive efficiency is critical for keeping the team in championship contention.

The deadline approach also reflects a broader philosophy within the Warriors organization: flexibility, timing, and asset management are just as important as star acquisition, ensuring that every roster move contributes to both immediate competitiveness and long-term stability.

If the trade were executed, Daniel Gafford would likely assume a starting center role, providing consistency and energy at the rim, while Klay Thompson would serve as a key bench contributor, preserving veteran leadership and shooting proficiency for critical game stretches.

Meanwhile, Malik Monk and Buddy Hield would be moved strategically to balance salary, roster composition, and future draft capital, allowing Golden State to maintain cap flexibility for potential free-agent acquisitions, all while strengthening core rotations for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.

In evaluating Gafford’s potential impact, it is important to note his efficiency in low-post scoring, strong pick-and-roll execution, and rim protection, qualities that can stabilize a Warriors team that occasionally struggles defensively against elite interior scorers.

Ultimately, the trade concept underscores that Golden State has multiple avenues to improve its roster at the deadline, whether through acquiring a veteran like Gafford, pursuing Anthony Davis, or exploring other frontcourt options to complement Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, and Andrew Wiggins.

For Warriors fans, the proposal offers a vision of a more balanced, energetic, and defensively capable team, capable of mixing veteran shooting, pick-and-roll efficiency, and interior defense, creating a frontcourt rotation that is more resilient against playoff-caliber opposition.

As February 5 approaches, the organization faces a critical decision: remain static or actively pursue trades that can immediately enhance their championship window, a choice that could define the trajectory of the 2025–26 season and beyond.

Even with Gafford’s limitations from the perimeter, the potential for defensive stability, high motor, and complementary scoring makes him an appealing trade target, offering a blueprint for Golden State to improve without fully dismantling their current core.

The takeaway, according to Akeley, is clear: Golden State must be proactive at the trade deadline, whether that involves Anthony Davis or multiple smaller acquisitions, balancing long-term planning with the urgency of maintaining competitive momentum in a Western Conference crowded with contenders.