The Golden State Warriors were among the teams hoping to secure LeBron James‘ services in free agency this offseason, but came up short in that quest. One of the reasons James ultimately turned down the Warriors is said to be that he wasn’t sold on his chances of winning a title with them.
That’s a sentiment you’d expect other superstars to share, and SI’s Joey Akeley believes the Warriors need to make a splash to turn themselves into a more attractive landing spot. Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic notably could enter free agency in 2027, and Akeley thinks acquiring someone like New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III would help their chances of landing him.
“For example, Nikola Jokic could become a 2027 free agent,” Akeley wrote. “If a 39-year-old [Stephen] Curry is the only draw for coming to the Bay, Jokic will likely decide to go elsewhere. But if, say, the Warriors had Trey Murphy III alongside Curry, Jokic would likely be more interested, though I’d still expect him to remain in Denver.”
Now, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel had reported that the Warriors offered two first-round picks to the Pelicans for Murphy, who averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in 2025-26. Unfortunately for them, the asking price for the 26-year-old has been three first-round picks and a young player. That’s steep.
While acquiring Murphy would definitely make the Warriors a more attractive free agency destination in 2027, the chances of them landing Jokic are extremely slim. You’d say that for most teams.
Jokic has made it clear on multiple occasions that he wants to spend his entire NBA career with the Nuggets. The three-time MVP just isn’t signing a four-year, $278 million extension this offseason for financial reasons.
Jokic has a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28 that he is expected to decline, as that would make him eligible for a five-year, $359.5 million contract in 2027. The Nuggets wouldn’t hesitate to give the eight-time All-Star that deal, and he’s almost certainly going to spend his whole career with them.
The only way Jokic might consider leaving next year is if the Nuggets have a disastrous 2026-27 season. That won’t happen if the 31-year-old is relatively healthy, as he is just that good. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game for the Nuggets in 2025-26. He won the rebounding and assists titles, and finished second in MVP voting.
While Jokic will likely prove beyond reach, the Warriors have put themselves in an interesting position for 2027. Not making any trades or bringing in any new additions in free agency in 2026 has meant they are slated to have the most cap space next year.
Now, a chunk of that will go, as Stephen Curry is expected to sign a two-year, $136 million extension when he becomes eligible on Aug. 29. There has been some chatter about Curry being frustrated with the Warriors over their inactivity this offseason, but Draymond Green shut it down. The two-time MVP isn’t going anywhere.
Even after giving Curry that deal, the Warriors should be able to offer a max contract to a top free agent in 2027. Will they be able to get one to come over is another question. If the Warriors aren’t able to, they will remain mediocre for the final years of Curry’s incredible career.
