Warriors’ pursuit of Anthony Davis, LeBron James still faces one major hurdle

The Warriors’ pursuit of Anthony Davis and perhaps even LeBron James has become the NBA’s biggest storyline entering free agency.

But as of now, one significant obstacle remains.

League sources continue to indicate the Wizards are willing to discuss Davis in the right deal. The problem, however, is Golden State’s most obvious trade chip.

According to Hoops Wire sources, Washington has little interest in taking back Jimmy Butler, whose $57 million salary would almost certainly be required to make the finances work in any Davis trade.

That means if the Warriors hope to land Davis, a third team may need to become involved.

The speculation only intensified Monday after Draymond Green declined his player option, while the Warriors later agreed to a new two-year contract with Kristaps Porzingis.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Golden State still believes LeBron James is likely to remain with the Lakers, though the Warriors view his contract situation as fluid enough to at least monitor closely.

ESPN’s Shams Charania has also suggested Davis and James could effectively be a package deal, with the Warriors believing their chances of landing LeBron would increase dramatically if they first acquired Davis.

Not everyone around the league is convinced the blockbuster scenario will actually materialize.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Monday that some executives believe all of the movement could ultimately lead to Davis remaining in Washington, James staying with the Lakers and Green signing a new contract with Golden State.

Until then, though, the Warriors continue to be linked to perhaps the biggest stars still capable of shaking up the NBA offseason.