If the Golden State Warriors want to make a blockbuster move in the next few days to weeks, the only way that's going to happen is by signing LeBron James to a minimum contract.
There's only so much the Warriors have asset-wise that could entice teams to land a star, so the best path for them to do so is by landing James. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like James is ready to make his decision just yet, which puts the Warriors in a position where they have to wait to play their hand.
Regardless, the latest report doesn't really give the Warriors much to be excited about, either. According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Warriors are pessimistic about landing James and now feel they don't have much chance.
“The Warriors are pessimistic that that event is going to take place,” Slater said, H/T Heavy. “They really, since the beginning, they’ve just not thought they’re at the top of the list.”
“I would think that the Warriors would know if it’s leaning one way or the other,” Slater said. “And all of my indications from the Warriors’ side is they believe it is not leaning toward them.”
I agree with Slater that the Warriors should have some sense of where James stands.
Perhaps he's really playing hardball with every team and is trying to see what each can offer him, but I don't think he is sitting there trying to play with everybody's minds.
I have a feeling he has told the teams how he feels but isn't announcing his decision just yet.
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