The Golden State Warriors have built one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history, but as their championship window continues to shrink, the franchise is ready to join forces with one of its biggest rivals. With Steph Curry still performing at an elite level, the Warriors are ready to welcome LeBron James in a blockbuster move.
Earlier this week, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor reported that the 7-time NBA champion franchise has set its sights on signing LeBron and trading for his former teammate Anthony Davis. Reports suggest that signing James once free agency opens on Tuesday would also make things easier for the Warriors in their pursuit of Davis.
The latest move involves Golden State’s 14-year veteran Draymond Green, who has a player option for the 2026-27 NBA season in his four-year contract. However, as per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Green has reportedly declined the $27.7 million option and intends to become a free agent.
The move will provide the Warriors with more flexibility in signing LeBron and trading for Davis in the offseason. As far as Green is concerned, he could potentially re-sign with Golden State on a longer-term contract with a lower salary. The series of rumors around the Warriors emerged after another report confirmed that Los Angeles has not made any offer to James.
The 41-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent if no deal is made with the Lakers. The Warriors’ pursuit of James would also see him team up with Curry, a duo many have always wished to see play together in the NBA. However, making the dream lineup a reality would also require complicated trade moves.
A trade for Davis would likely involve Jimmy Butler, who is entering the final year of his $57 million contract while recovering from a torn ACL. The Washington Wizards star is eligible for a four-year $275 million contract extension, but a move would reset his extension timeline and delay his ability to sign that maximum contract.
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Golden State would also need to include draft assets, with the franchise currently holding two future first-round picks and four first-round swaps that could be used in negotiations. The Warriors recently offered a new deal to Al Horford, another 40-year-old NBA star.
As they look to pursue LeBron and Davis, most players in their core group would be more than 36 years old. A move to the Warriors would also make major headlines for James due to his long history with the franchise.
Out of his 10 NBA Finals appearances, LeBron has faced Golden State four times during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he only won one of those series, the Lakers star now has the chance to join Curry and Green to deliver one of the most talked-about roster moves of all time.
