Not Only LeBron James's Dream Shattered: Golden State's Disappointing Summer
The Warriors tried and failed to add Anthony Davis, Jaylen Brown, and Trey Murphy, leaving them without significant options. Draymond Green is close to a new contract, and the club is already planning for the post-Stephen Curry era.
Golden State dreamed for years of adding LeBron James and pairing him with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, but this summer, the attempt ended in disappointment. According to a report in 'ClutchPoints', the Warriors believed until a late stage that James might choose them, but by the first week of the Summer League, it became clear he was leaning toward moving to an Eastern Conference team, before ultimately choosing Philadelphia.
Sources cited in the report suggest Golden State was not perceived as a strong championship contender compared to other teams that courted James. The main reason was that Curry remained the only proven scorer on the roster, while Jimmy Butler is still recovering from a serious injury. The option of waiting for his recovery and hoping the roster would remain healthy did not compare to the opportunity for LeBron to play alongside Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe in Philadelphia.
The Warriors tried to increase their chances of adding LeBron through other moves. They reportedly approached Washington regarding Anthony Davis, believing his arrival would change James's mind. However, the Wizards set demands described by a team source as 'illogical', and talks stalled. Golden State even spoke with Boston regarding Jaylen Brown, but the Celtics were unwilling to hear offers, showing no interest in the assets the Warriors could provide. In both scenarios, Golden State was willing to trade Butler, along with draft picks, despite generally wanting to keep him.
Another name that surfaced was Trey Murphy. The Warriors approached New Orleans several times, offering a package based on two first-round picks, but the Pelicans demanded three picks and a young player to join their future core.
With the possibility of adding another star alongside Curry off the table, Golden State is expected to retain most of its existing roster. Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford have already signed new contracts, and Green is also expected to stay. The 36-year-old forward waived a player option worth $27.7 million to give the club flexibility in pursuit of LeBron, and he may now receive a new contract worth approximately $28 million.
The Warriors may sign Green for one season or offer a multi-year contract that aligns with the timeline of Curry and head coach Steve Kerr. Curry himself is entering the final year of his contract and will be eligible to sign a two-year extension worth $136 million starting August 6. According to the report, Golden State is prepared to offer him any contract he desires.
In parallel, the team is expected to try to bring back Gary Payton II. Mario Hezonja is a candidate, as is DeMar DeRozan, though sources indicate the likelihood of him agreeing to a minimum contract is low.
It appears the Warriors will now pursue two paths: remaining competitive around Curry, Green, and Butler, while simultaneously preparing for the post-Curry era. According to Tim Kawakami of the 'San Francisco Standard', owner Joe Lacob is already looking ahead: 'He wants to build the team that will come after Steph Curry'.
The club places great importance on Ixel Landborg, viewing him as a significant player for the coming years, while Brandin Podziemski is also expected to begin contract extension talks. The Warriors estimate a new deal for him could range from $16 to $20 million per season, though his demands could reach approximately $24 million.
