The Golden State Warriors have quietly harbored interest in LeBron James for years. This offseason might finally present their best — and perhaps last — realistic chance to make it happen.
With the roster battered by injuries (Jimmy Butler out for the season, Moses Moody sidelined with a torn patellar tendon, and Stephen Curry missing significant time with a knee issue), Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard believes the franchise’s dire circumstances could push them toward a “do-or-die” pursuit of either LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard.
“I think all the dire circumstances and frightful indicators of this season are leading the Warriors down this do-or-die path. And I think there is a way this kind of desperate move actually could work,” Kawakami wrote.
The biggest variable, however, is not entirely in the Warriors’ control: Draymond Green’s $27.7 million player option.
How Green’s Decision Unlocks LeBron
If Green opts out and accepts a more team-friendly deal in the neighborhood of $20 million per year (or ideally even less), the Warriors could suddenly gain the flexibility to re-sign Kristaps Porziņģis as an unrestricted free agent while still having enough room to offer LeBron James something around the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Green’s well-documented relationship with James could become a decisive factor. The chances of Green taking less money would likely increase dramatically if the front office makes it clear that signing LeBron (or another high-impact veteran) is part of the plan.
The Dream (and Risky) Starting Five
Assuming they can retain Porziņģis — who has looked strong lately, scoring 20+ points in four of his last seven games, including a game-high 28 in Friday’s win over the Washington Wizards — the Warriors could theoretically field an incredibly star-studded lineup next season:
Stephen CurryJimmy Butler (expected back mid-season)LeBron JamesDraymond GreenKristaps Porziņģis
On paper, that group would be terrifying. In reality, it would also be one of the oldest and most injury-prone rosters in recent NBA history. Curry is 38 and coming off a long knee absence, James is 41, Butler is recovering from major surgery, and Porziņģis has played more than 57 games in a season only once in the past nine years.
It would be less a consistent 82-game team and more a high-variance playoff-or-bust squad built for one final deep postseason run while Curry is still elite.
The Bigger Picture for Golden State
The Warriors are staring down a difficult truth: their championship window with Curry is closing. Injuries have already derailed this season, and the play-in picture remains precarious. A conservative approach risks a slow decline. A bold, star-driven move — even one carrying massive risk — might be the only way to maximize whatever is left of Curry’s prime.
Re-signing Porziņģis is likely a priority given his recent production and fit as a floor-spacer and rim protector. Adding James would give the Warriors another generational talent who can still impact winning on both ends, especially in the playoffs.
Whether Green is willing to restructure his deal to make it possible remains the critical question. His loyalty to the organization and desire to compete for titles could tilt the scales.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of high-stakes, high-reward gamble that defines franchises in their twilight years. The Warriors aren’t rebuilding — they’re trying to squeeze one more legitimate title window out of the Curry era.
Landing LeBron James would create an aging but star-studded superteam capable of making serious noise in the playoffs. It would also come with enormous injury and availability risk.
Warriors fans, would you be all-in on pursuing LeBron James this summer if Draymond Green agrees to take less money? Or is the risk of building such an old, injury-prone roster too great?
The next few weeks could determine whether the Warriors go all-in for one last ride or begin a more measured transition.