After missing out on LeBron James in free agency, the Golden State Warriors will have to pivot in order to add another impact player to complement Steph Curry next season.
Perhaps one will become available in the near future.
Golden State Warriors Named Potential Landing Spot for Zach LaVine
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Warriors were recently named as a top potential landing spot for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine by Nico Martinez of Fadeaway World.
“The Warriors struck out on all of their primary targets this summer, and now there are rumors that they are shifting their focus to the post-Steph era. But if they really want to make one last run with Curry, who plans to sign an extension, LaVine is an option that they cannot ignore,” Martinez wrote.
“As a three-level scorer, his arrival would make a huge impact for Golden State, and it would alleviate a lot of scoring pressure off Stephen Curry. Notably, LaVine could act as a replacement for Jimmy Butler, who may not be ready for action until midway through the season. At the very least, it gives the Warriors some much-needed youth and star power to help them stack up against their most elite competitors.”
As it stands currently, LaVine remains a member of the Sacramento Kings after opting into his $49 million player option for next season. However, the Kings are firmly in rebuild mode and LaVine doesn’t appear to be part of the plans. As a result, he could ultimately be made available.
While obviously not LeBron James, LaVine is still a productive player, especially when it comes to putting the ball in the basket. He boasts a career scoring average of over 20 points per performance, and he averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the Kings last season.
Zach LaVine Could Provide Warriors with Jimmy Butler Insurance
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings shoots over Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on January 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
In Golden State, LaVine could potentially provide the Warriors with some Jimmy Butler insurance. Butler is expected to be sidelined for a good chunk of the 2026-27 NBA season as he continues to recover from a knee injury he suffered last season.
The Warriors will miss Butler’s output, especially on the offensive end. LaVine could help to pick up some of the slack in that department if he were to land with the Warriors.
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