The Golden State Warriors’ disappointing 2025-26 season has intensified the focus on what the franchise will do this offseason to give Stephen Curry one final realistic chance at another championship.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Gray Deyo, the Warriors are actively positioning themselves as a potential destination for LeBron James, who is set to become a free agent. The idea has circulated for years, but recent reporting suggests it is being taken more seriously inside league circles.
“James has mentioned wanting to play with Stephen Curry, so although James playing with the Warriors may be a crazy thought at first, it very well could happen,” Deyo wrote. “The Warriors in the past were rumored to try to trade for James, and with where Curry is in his own career, nothing should be off the table in order to try to generate a championship-level team.”
The Dream Scenario and the Offensive Fit
Pairing James with Curry would create one of the most star-studded backcourts/frontcourt combinations in recent NBA history. James, still capable of scoring 20+ points per game efficiently, could serve as a devastating second option behind Curry while also providing elite playmaking and defensive versatility.
Deyo noted that James’ averages playing alongside Curry should not take a hit and could even see an increase, especially with Jimmy Butler expected to miss significant time next season recovering from his ACL injury. In that scenario, James would likely become the clear No. 2 scoring option for Golden State.
The emotional appeal is undeniable. Curry and James have long expressed mutual respect, and their chemistry was on full display when they teamed up for Team USA and won Olympic gold in 2024 under Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
The Risks and Roster Realities
Landing James would be a massive swing for the Warriors, but it would come with significant challenges. At 41 years old, James would need to accept a reduced role and likely a pay cut to fit under the cap. The team would also need to navigate Butler’s large contract and find a way to build enough supporting depth around the aging core of Curry (38), James (41), Green, and Porziņģis.
Deyo pointed out that the Warriors would likely have to make additional moves — possibly trading Butler’s contract for another star — to convince James that the roster has enough upside to contend in the loaded Western Conference.
Where the Warriors Rank Among Potential Destinations
While the Warriors believe they have a legitimate chance, they are currently viewed as a distant third option behind the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers have shown improved play lately, giving James a clearer vision of contention while allowing him to continue playing alongside his son Bronny. Cleveland offers the powerful combination of a stacked young roster ready to contend for years and the emotional pull of a homecoming retirement tour with the franchise that drafted him.
For Golden State to move up the list, the Lakers and Cavaliers would likely need to have disappointing playoff runs, and Curry would have to take on a major recruiting role to sell James on the idea of one last run together.
Final Thoughts
The possibility of LeBron James joining Stephen Curry in Golden State is no longer just a fun “what if.” League sources and reporting suggest the Warriors are serious about pursuing the move, and James has previously expressed interest in playing with Curry.
It would be a high-risk, high-reward gamble for both sides — an aging but star-studded roster chasing one final title window. Whether the finances, roster fit, and competitive outlook can be solved remains the biggest question.
For now, the Warriors are keeping the idea alive. If they can convince James that Golden State offers a better path to another championship than his other options, the Curry-James era could become one of the most fascinating chapters in NBA history.
Warriors fans, how would you feel about the team pursuing LeBron James this summer? Would you be all-in on the star power for one last run with Curry, or do you think the age and injury risks are too great?
The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most important in franchise history. The decision on whether to go all-in for James could define the final years of the Curry era.