DHJ Quick Take
- Superstar Targets: According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater, the Golden State Warriors are prepared to pursue LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard in the upcoming offseason.
- Previous Trade Interest: The Warriors aggressively explored the trade market for both Antetokounmpo and Leonard as recently as February, signaling a long-term intent to add a high-caliber wing or big man.
- The Recruitment Front: With LeBron entering unrestricted free agency for the first time since 2018, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are expected to lead the recruitment efforts to bring him to San Francisco.
The Golden State Warriors are expected to pursue LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard this offseason, according to Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater of ESPN.
The Warriors tried to trade for Antetokounmpo and Leonard in February. The Milwaukee Bucks and Antetokounmpo are widely expected to part ways this offseason, while the Los Angeles Clippers could trade Leonard, who has just one year left on his contract. Antetokounmpo will make $58.5 million next season and Leonard will make $50.3 million.
James, the NBA legend who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the first time since 2018. Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are expected to recruit James to Golden State this summer, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal.
James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers, Leonard has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Clippers and Antetokounmpo has spent his entire NBA career with the Bucks.
The Bucks, Clippers and Warriors missed the 2026 playoffs, while the Lakers are the fourth seed in the West. Los Angeles is building around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for the future, but since James has close relationships with Dončić, Reaves and head coach JJ Redick, a return to the Lakers can’t be ruled out if James doesn’t retire this summer, sources said.
Golden State has won four championships in the Curry-Green era, the last one coming in 2022 against the Boston Celtics. The Warriors have missed the playoffs four out of the past seven seasons and have failed to advance past the second round since 2022. It’s unknown if Steve Kerr will return as head coach next season, as he is not under contract.
Curry has one year left on his contract. The future Hall of Famer and the Warriors are expected to discuss a contract extension this offseason.
“I’ve only been in one locker room for the last 17 years,” Curry said after the Warriors’ season ended. “Before you win the title, you’re building the foundation for what a championship team looks like — even though you have no idea what that really meant. Then you accomplish it. Then everything else is based off of that. It’s been that way since 2015.”
Latest NBA News & Rumors At Dallas Hoops Journal
- NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Acquire Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo In Offseason Blockbuster
- Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant Frustrated By Knee Injury, Not ‘Moving Well’
- Cleveland Cavaliers Could Trade Donovan Mitchell If He Doesn’t Sign Extension
- Luka Dončić Enjoys Playing With LeBron James; Lakers, Cavaliers, Warriors Interested In The King
- Ja Morant Told Players, Former Coaches He’s Done Playing For Memphis Grizzlies
- Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić Reacts To Being Eligible For End-Of-Season Awards: ‘I Am Grateful’
- NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Send Kyrie Irving To Minnesota Timberwolves In 3-Team Offseason Blockbuster
- LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard Could All Be On New Teams Next Season
