The Golden State Warriors are reportedly preparing one of the most ambitious moves of the NBA offseason, with plans to pursue free agent LeBron James while also attempting to acquire Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade. According to The Guardian, the franchise’s aggressive strategy gathered momentum after Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option, a decision that could provide Golden State with the financial flexibility needed to chase both superstars.
According to ESPN, Green’s move was designed to help the Warriors create cap space “if they are going to pursue free agent LeBron James and complete a trade for Anthony Davis with the Washington Wizards.” Green is also reportedly willing to negotiate a new contract at a lower salary, giving the Warriors even greater flexibility.
The financial gymnastics and James’s motivation
The path to uniting these stars is complex, particularly concerning James’s contract. James played last season on the final year of a two-year, $101 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. While only the Lakers could offer him a contract in that salary range, the Warriors could extend a $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
However, James’s decision is unlikely to be driven by financial considerations. Spotrac reports his career earnings from salary alone stand at $581 million, and his net worth, bolstered by side business ventures and endorsements, is estimated around $1.4 billion, repoirted by The Guardian. Instead, James reportedly prioritizes the opportunity to play alongside two of his closest friends, Green and Davis. He and Stephen Curry, who were once fierce rivals in four consecutive NBA Finals, are also said to have grown closer in recent years.
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A veteran super team takes shape
According to The Guardian, the proposed quartet of Curry, Green, James, and Davis would bring an extraordinary wealth of experience and accolades to the Warriors. Should this group converge, they would put four players on the court with a combined:
- 13 NBA championships
- 48 All-Star selections
- 68 seasons played
This move would also be significantly facilitated by Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, who serves as the agent for both Green and Davis, and is a longtime associate of James. His involvement could streamline negotiations across multiple fronts.
Such a roster would also push the Warriors’ age profile higher. For the 2025-26 season, the Lakers had the oldest roster with an average age of 30, while the Warriors were second-oldest at 28.6 years. With Curry at 38, Green at 36, James at 41, and Davis at 33, the average age of this potential core four would be 37. To balance salaries as required by the NBA, the Warriors would likely need to trade 36-year-old Jimmy Butler, despite the team reportedly preferring to retain him.
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