The Golden State Warriors remain among the teams that are pursuing LeBron James in free agency, and they seem to have one advantage over the competition. ESPN’s Anthony Slater spoke about the Warriors’ chances of landing James during an appearance on SportsCenter.
“Their decision makers, really from the beginning of this free agency, have not expressed much optimism to me that they’re going to ultimately be the destination,” Slater said. “They know they’re in on it. They’ve identified from the beginning Cleveland as what they believe is the most likely destination. But they also have an advantage, and they know it, and it’s what you just played.
“Draymond Green is pitching LeBron James on vacation,” Slater continued. “And I was in Tahoe the other day, and Steph Curry said he’s been in contact with him. Not many people in this process can reach LeBron James directly, but the Warriors players can. And I thought one of the most interesting parts of Steph’s pitch is basically the historic nature of them potentially teaming up.
“With year 18 for Steph, year 24 for LeBron, the battles they’ve had… it could be one of the most unique stories in NBA history if they teamed up,” Slater added.
Stephen Curry has shared his pitch to James. Curry believes the Warriors are the right team for him, considering their track record of success. The 12-time All-Star also mentioned that if James wants to play good basketball and be around those who know how to play the game, the Warriors are the place to be.
Draymond Green also tried to recruit James to the Warriors when they were vacationing together. There aren’t too many other teams that have individuals this close to the 22-time All-Star. Will Green and Curry be able to sway James? We’ll find out soon enough.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that there are now five leading suitors for James: the Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The 41-year-old, who averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game in 2025-26, will go to a team that can compete for a title and where he can find happiness.
Slater said the Warriors see the Cavaliers as the likely landing spot for James, and NBA insider Marc Stein reported that as well on The Stein Line.
“What can be passed on here as confirmed reporting is that Golden State — as much as it has been operating with tangible concern that Cleveland is the closest thing to a frontrunner — has not relented in its pursuit,” Stein wrote. “The Warriors, most of all owner Joe Lacob, appear determined to stay in it until the end.”
It would be quite special to see James and Curry as teammates. They teamed up for the first and only time in a competitive setting at the 2024 Paris Olympics. James and Curry helped Team USA win the gold medal, and seeing them chase one last championship together would be incredible. To say the Warriors would be must-watch television would be an understatement.
