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What Should Warriors Do After Missing on LeBron James? Three Potential Paths Forward for Golden State After missing out on stars like LeBron and Giannis, the Warriors have some big decisions ahead to try to maximize whats left of Steph Currys career.
like the Cavaliers, Heat, Timberwolves and Warriors.
Golden State was a possibility for James as an opportunity to link up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to chase a title in the twilight of their respective careers, all while staying in the same state where he built a home base over the past decade.however, as the Sixers also made a number of nice moves to round out the roster during free agency.
Jamess decision wasnt about money or even narrative as he turned down a reunion with the Cavs and the Heat, plus the opportunity to play with another all-time great in Curry.
It was about happiness and winning as James saw the Sixers as theThe lack of previous ties to the Warriors didnt impact Golden States pursuit, since he went to a different franchise where he had no history.Clearly, what hurt the Warriors was Jamess presumed belief that the Sixers had a muchAfter the franchise missed out on Giannis Antetokounmpo, too, its on the verge of entering next season with virtually the same rostera roster that missed the playoffs last year.
At 38 years old, the days are numbered in the Curry era, which has already brought four championships to the Bay.Simply put, the roster isnt good enough to compete with the likes of the Thunder and the Spurs in the Western Conference.
So, what should the Warriors do from here?Here are three potential options for the Warriors this summer and over the next season:Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL in January | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect If the Warriors were to acquire a star that is still on a big contract like Antetokounmpo or even Brown, they wouldve needed to send out Jimmy Butlers $56.8 million expiring salary to get the deal done.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.The reality is that Butler will miss at least a good chunk of next season as he continues his recovery and the Warriors cant fall into a huge hole that they need to work their way out of toward the end of the season.Each game left with Curry on the roster is precious and the franchise has missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons.
As of now, Golden States offseason mainly consists of retaining Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, plus drafting Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg with the 11th pick in the draft.Draymond Green opted out of his $27.7 million player option for next season, likely to give his longtime franchise more wiggle room to go after a star like James.
Green remains unsigned and he will likely return unless he decides to go elsewhere as a role player for a better contender.
Whether Green is back or not, Golden States offseason thus far doesnt move the needle.The biggest names from this offseasons trade and free-agent market are already spoken for, but this is the NBA.
Star players get disgruntled and try to force their way out all the time.
If Golden State hunts for a true superstar to pair with Curry, Dunleavy would almost certainly need to part with Butler in the process as his big expiring contract would be valuable to another team that hopes to gain financial flexibility after this season and beyond.Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green shared an emotional moment at the end of last season | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect At this point, the most likely path forward for the Warriors is to run it back with a very similar roster to last year.
Too much of the offseason has unfolded and there may not be a true needle mover available until near the trade deadline.Maybe theres a possible trade with the Wizards for Anthony Davis and James Harden is still technically a free agent, although hes expected to return to the Cavaliers on a new contract.
The minimal remaining options put the Warriors in position to bring Green back and try to improve around the margins in an effort to remain afloat until Butler returns or an enticing trade presents itself.In this case, the most likely option is the most concerning one, too.
For a team that flamed out toward the end of the regular season, finished 3745 and snuck into the play-in tournament as the No.
10 team in the West, thats not good enough.Maybe Curry has a good enough season to keep the Warriors in contention until Butler is healthy, but even if thats the case, the Warriors likely ceiling is an unceremonious ousting at the hands of the Thunder or the Spurs in the playoffs.
Stephen Curry has been with the Warriors for 17 seasons | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Is it crazy to think theres a slim chance that Curry eventually wants out and the Warriors oblige? Probably.However, as crazy as a Curry trade sounds, it could make sense for both sides.
Hes synonymous with the Warriors and the Bay in general, but with little time left, what if Curry is open to closing his career elsewhere if Golden State doesnt have an immediate path to contention? I dont think Curry would give the Warriors a public trade demand by any means.If Golden State truly wants to press the rebuild button and became open to dealing Curry, the franchise would likely approach its longtime superstar and let him have a say on a new destination.
Hes on Golden States books for one more year at $62.6 million after he signed a contract extension back in 2024.If the Warriors have another forgettable year, Curry could choose to go elsewhere next summer or, if things are heading in that direction, the Warriors could trade him to bring back a valuable package that could kick-start a rebuild.
Lets be super clear: a full-on rebuild that would see Curry land elsewhere is the last option.
The Warriors should do all they can to maximize the time left with their franchise legend.However, Golden State has already tried to upgrade the roster numerous times around Curry which hasnt worked out.
It may still be the prevailing hangover from the Luka Doncic trade, but no player is truly safe and anything can happen in #thisleague.
Blake Silverman is a writer at Sports Illustrated, primarily covering the NBA and WNBA.Before joining SI in November 2024 as a breaking/trending news writer, he covered the WNBA, NBA, G League and college basketball for numerous sites, including Winsidr, SB Nation and A10Talk.
Hes an alum of both Michigan State and St.
Bonaventure University, receiving a masters degree from the Bonnies sports journalism program.
Outside of work, hes a husband, father, yogi and fairly mediocre tennis player whos open to any tips on how to play defense in EA Sports College Football.