The Golden State Warriors reportedly remain interested in pursuing one of the most ambitious superstar combinations in NBA history, though league sources continue to view the scenario as highly unlikely.
In a recent report, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel detailed Golden State’s long-standing interest in pairing Stephen Curry with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, while also potentially pursuing Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant or another established superstar this offseason.
“LeBron James is the other big name the Warriors plan on pursuing this offseason, as he will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2018, when he decided to join the Lakers,” Siegel wrote. “Even though he is now 41 years old and the expectation is that he will only play for one or two more years, James is still playing at an All-Star level.”
According to the report, Warriors owner Joe Lacob and the organization have envisioned a late-career partnership between Curry and James for years despite their intense rivalry during four consecutive NBA Finals matchups between Golden State and Cleveland from 2015 through 2018.
“Lacob and the Warriors have long dreamed about pairing LeBron with Steph at the end of their respective careers,” Siegel wrote. “Golden State has even attempted to trade for LeBron at times over the last few seasons.”
James’ relationships with Curry, Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr are reportedly viewed internally as factors that could at least warrant an aggressive recruiting effort. However, the report emphasized that the chances of James leaving the Lakers remain low, particularly with Cleveland also looming as a potential destination should he leave Los Angeles.
“The chances of him leaving the Lakers and opting to join the Warriors over a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers are still very low,” Siegel wrote.
Warriors face financial hurdles in Stephen Curry-LeBron James-Kevin Durant dream scenario
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Western Conference guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors talks with forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns and forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers before the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Financial realities also create major obstacles. Any pathway for James to join Golden State in free agency would reportedly require him to accept a significant pay cut and sign for the mid-level exception. The scenario could also require Green to opt out of his current deal and re-sign for considerably less money.
Even if the Warriors were somehow able to convince James to join Curry, the organization would reportedly continue pursuing another established star to maximize its short-term championship window.
“In the small chance that Golden State could ultimately pull this off… the organization would further look to strengthen their immediate championship outlook by going all-out for Leonard, Kevin Durant, or a different experienced superstar,” Siegel wrote.
Durant previously spent three seasons with Golden State from 2016 through 2019, helping the franchise win two championships before departing for the Brooklyn Nets in free agency.
For now, the possibility of Curry, James and Durant sharing the floor remains more fantasy than expectation. Still, the report reinforces Golden State’s willingness to aggressively explore blockbuster scenarios as Curry approaches the later stages of his career and the organization searches for another championship opportunity.
The Golden State Warriors reportedly remain interested in pursuing one of the most ambitious superstar combinations in NBA history, though league sources continue to view the scenario as highly unlikely.