The Golden State Warriors have never been afraid of the impossible. They've shown a willingness to take bold risks, as seen in their pursuit of Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler. Now, it appears they're ready for their biggest swing yet, with reports suggesting they're moving for LeBron James and trading for Anthony Davis.
The first piece on the board has already moved. Draymond Green declined his $27.7-million player option, allowing the Warriors to restructure his contract and make the arithmetic work for their ambitious plan. According to reports, James would need to accept a substantial pay cut, while Davis would have to arrive through a complicated deal that requires parting with Butler and other assets.
The possibility is fascinating not just because of the star power involved, but what it says about the Warriors' refusal to accept decline as inevitable. Stephen Curry is 38, James is 41, and Green is 36, while Davis would become the youngest member of the quartet at 33. Collectively, they would possess enough championship rings, All-Star appearances, and postseason mileage to fill several Hall of Fame careers.
The would-be lineup runs counter to that of their original dynasty, which overwhelmed opponents with youth, pace, and relentless movement. Instead, it would be built on experience, intelligence, and the belief that greatness can age more gracefully than league annals indicate.
Certainly, there is a fantasy aspect to the speculation, and the possibility of Curry and James becoming teammates is a tantalizing one. However, sentiment alone does not win championships. Davis has battled injuries throughout his career, Butler is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and Green's offensive contributions have diminished with age. Even Curry, still with a transcendent touch, cannot escape the calendar forever.
The Warriors' refusal to fade quietly is par for the course for a dynasty that's lingered in search of one more denouement before the curtain finally falls. Perhaps their pursuit will amount to little more than dreams that collapse under the weight of collective bargaining rules. However, it also reveals the refusal of the blue and yellow to confuse prudence with passivity. They understand that title windows do not stay open by accident, and at times, the casements need to be forced open, even at considerable risk.
