According to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, the Golden State Warriors are planning to “go hard” after one of two superstar targets — LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard — this upcoming offseason. This is not an impulsive move, but a carefully calculated strategy that Warriors ownership and front office have already mapped out months in advance, with specific trade packages reportedly already prepared.
Kawakami writes: “Could the Warriors’ best and brightest option this offseason really be going hard to land either Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James? I think it might be. I think all the dire circumstances and frightful indicators of this season are leading the Warriors down this do-or-die path.” He emphasizes that this aggressive pursuit is exactly what the current moment demands of the franchise. “Going hard after either Kawhi or LeBron is exactly what the moment is demanding of the Warriors right now. And Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy probably already put all of this and more on the whiteboard months ago.”
Before pulling off such a blockbuster acquisition, Golden State must first create significant salary-cap flexibility. Currently deep in the luxury tax, the Warriors will likely need to offload contracts, allow certain free agents to walk, and negotiate team-friendly extensions with key veterans such as Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis.
Kawhi Leonard, 34, currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers as a SF/SG, stands at 198 cm (6’6″) and weighs 102 kg (225 lbs). Born in Riverside, California, he is enjoying a strong season, averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. The Warriors may not even need to surrender any assets to acquire him, as the ongoing Aspiration scandal and the NBA’s investigation could potentially result in Leonard becoming a free agent if the Clippers lose his services.
Meanwhile, LeBron James, now 41 years old, is on an expiring contract for the first time in his storied career. Despite his age, James continues to perform at an elite level, posting averages of 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game — proving he remains a highly valuable piece for any contending team.
Another option being explored by Golden State is a sign-and-trade deal. In this scenario, the Warriors could send out young talents Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, along with a first-round draft pick, to bring in one of these two top-75 all-time greats.
All signs point to the Warriors having no intention of backing down. This represents a silent coup — a bold, meticulously planned power shift already in motion. Once one of these legendary figures arrives in the Bay Area, nothing in Golden State will ever be the same again. This is no longer just about salvaging a season; it is a complete transformation aimed at returning the franchise to championship contention.