Curry Addresses 'Allure' of Warriors-LeBron Team-Up
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- Stephen Curry called a potential Warriors pairing with LeBron James a 'unique story in NBA history,' noting he's entering his 18th season while James heads into his 24th, with the two having communicated in the past week mostly via text message.
- Warriors sources maintain 'a low level of optimism' in landing James, identifying the Cleveland Cavaliers as the suitor most difficult to beat, per the source.
- Draymond Green is vacationing with James in Puerto Rico and was spotted on the golf course with him Thursday, reinforcing the personal friendship angle the Warriors are leaning on in their pitch.
- Steve Kerr coached both Curry and James at the 2024 Olympics, and the Warriors are selling James on a veteran-friendly environment built around Curry, Green, and Kerr.
- Golden State has held roster flexibility for James — Green opted out of his player option to create temporary cap room — and the team re-signed Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and De'Anthony Melton in free agency.
- If James declines, the Warriors 'mostly profile as an aging 37-45 team,' a stark fallback scenario Curry acknowledged as the franchise awaits LeBron's decision.
- Golden State added backup center Charles Bassey on a one-year deal Thursday to fill the 11th roster slot after losing Quinten Post to Memphis, with Green and Gary Payton II candidates for the 12th spot.
Why it matters: The Warriors are essentially putting their offseason on pause for a 40-year-old free agent, keeping roster spots and cap flexibility open. If James picks Cleveland instead, Golden State reverts to a projected 37-45 win roster built around an aging core, making Curry's public courtship a high-stakes gamble for a franchise trying to stay relevant in the Western Conference.
