NBA fans were shocked Tuesday to see a report that the Dallas Mavericks had traded Anthony Davis to the Golden State Warriors.
It is true that the Warriors are under significant pressure to make a splashy addition before the NBA trade deadline next Thursday -- and amid Jimmy Butler's season-ending knee injury, rumors have persisted that Golden State would look to move off the six-time All-Star's contract to get immediate help.
MORE: Mavericks stay in driver’s seat amid Anthony Davis trade speculation
But it is not true that the Warriors have traded Butler to the Mavericks for 10-time All-Star Davis, as part of a three-team trade that involved the Chicago Bulls.
The fake trade is the work of the @HoodiiBarnes troll account on X. As of Wednesday morning, the post has been viewed 3.3 million times; it has accrued more than 460 replies and close to 9,000 likes.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are finalizing a deal to send Anthony Davis to the Golden State Warriors for a package centered around Jimmy Butler as a part of a multi team trade with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell @espn. Pic.twitter.com/FOw4KLcHZQ
— Jake Morrison (@HoodiiBarnes) January 27, 2026
While Davis may yet be traded in the days ahead, no deal -- to the Warriors, or to any other franchise -- appears especially close. The five-time All-NBA selection has played only 20 games this season and currently is out after suffering a ligament injury to his left hand.
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