The Golden State Warriors should go after LeBron James this offseason.
The Golden State Warriors are looking to remain competitive in what is likely to be the final years of Steph Curry, but the current roster construction might make that difficult.
The Warriors are likely to be without Jimmy Butler for the majority of the season after he suffered a torn ACL in January. Moses Moody, a key rotation player, will also be out for a large chunk of the season, if not the entire season, after suffering a torn patella tendon in March.
Without those two players, the already thin Warriors will need Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, and Will Richard to make marked improvements if they want to make the playoffs.
Pursing LeBron James?
The Warriors could solve some issues if LeBron James decides he wants to spend his final years in the Bay.
James is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and though he hasn't made a decsion about returning for his 24th season, all signs point to him being back. The team in which he suits up for his currently unknown, but he has been linked to the Warriors.
If you're Golden State, this is a no-brainer move. James is still one of the best players in the league, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 60 games during the regular season. He was even better in the playoffs, leading the Lakers into the second round with an averages of 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
To make this happen, they would have to move Butler's contract to have the space to sign LeBron, unless LeBron is would take a signifcant pay cut, which doesn't seem likely.
Would LeBron Do It?
LeBron holds all the cards as he's an unrestricted free agent and can decide which team he plays for. Obviously, there has to be mutual interest, but any team would likely welcome LeBron for his final season given his value on and off the court.
If he wants to be on the Warriors, the Warriors would make the necessary moves to make it happen.
The biggest selling point for LeBron to go to Golden State is the opportunity to play alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, and be coached by Steve Kerr. LeBron has always been complimentary of Curry, and the two thrived together in the Olympics, where Kerr served as the head coach.
Though they have had plenty of battles on the court, Draymond and LeBron are good friends off the court.
