This year’s offseason is shaping up to be arguably the most massive one in franchise history. The Golden State Warriors are officially in the pressure cooker and must move strategically.
Multiple star names have been drawn to the Warriors, most notably Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James, two players who share a friendly relationship with Stephen Curry.
James and Curry are a duo fans have fantasized about for many years. It is beginning to feel like this offseason may present the best chance for the NBA’s last two back-to-back league MVPs to join forces.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontempts, if James leaves the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, the Warriors may be at the top of his wishlist.
“Yet it is highly unlikely any outside team would be willing to offer James [a roughly $50 million per year] contract,” Windhorst and Bontemps wrote. “Signing him wouldn’t make sense for the teams with big cap space such as the Wizards, Bulls or Nets. James also would probably have a very short list of preferred destinations — such as, hypothetically, the Golden State Warriors — that aren’t in position to have significant cap space this summer.”
LeBron James to Golden State Makes Sense … But Doesn’t Make Sense
So, why would it work?
Simply because James and Curry would be a wonderful fit. The basketball world caught a mini movie of what both stars would look like sharing the court as teammates.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors hugs LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers after the Western Conference Semifinal Playoff game at Crypto.com Arena on May 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Lakers eliminated the Warriors 122-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
James’ precision passing and Curry’s ability to move without the basketball and shoot from anywhere on the court would give James a lethal weapon and Curry a dangerous quarterback orchestrating the offense.
James and Curry are a few steps past their apex. For the Warriors to be a contending team with both players leading the charge, they would need to make serious moves to round out the roster with strong pieces.
That’s where James joining the Warriors becomes tricky.
Not only would he have to accept close to a minimum-level contract, the Warriors would have to restructure Draymond Green’s contract for a conversation to even start. Green, also up there in age, has a player-option this offseason worth roughly $28 million. He would have to settle for significantly less next season if making James a Warrior is the goal.
Golden State Still in Play for Antetokounmpo
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks congratulates Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors after the Warriors beat the Bucks at Chase Center on January 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
The Warriors have also long been rumored to be interested in acquiring Antetokounmpo, the 31-year-old disgruntled Milwaukee Bucks star whom the Warriors attempted to trade for back in February. The expectation is the Warriors will again attempt to acquire Antetokounmpo this summer.
But an Antetokounmpo trade could be hairy.
Acquiring the two-time NBA MVP will be more than an asset mismatch. It is the more practical things that make a trade extremely difficult.
Antetokounmpo will command a roughly $58.5 million salary next season as part of his extension he signed in 2023. This effectively presents major cap complications for Golden State.
The Warriors are already deep into the luxury tax and still possess one of the highest payrolls in the league. Much of that is due to having Curry and the injured Jimmy Butler on maximum contracts.
By adding Antetokounmpo, the Warriors get significantly better, even if it means they would need to part ways with Butler.
But, like adding James via an outright signing or a sign-and-trade, acquiring Antetokounmpo would take front office flexing to pull off.
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