With LeBron James set to enter unrestricted free agency, the dream of bringing him to the Golden State Warriors is alive and well. For years, basketball fans around the globe have daydreamed about the potential pairing of James and Stephen Curry. While that daydream is still far from becoming a reality, the Warriors could make their pitch to James once the free agency period begins later this summer.
According to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, the Warriors could face compeition from the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and “maybe a few other teams” in their pursuit to land the aging superstar. Kawakami also noted that the Warriors could potentially extend James an offer for the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, assuming they make the necessary roster moves to open up the full $15.1 million.
“If they maneuver their roster and payroll just enough, the Warriors could offer LeBron the $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is monumentally short of the $52.6 million he made this season but is more than some other possible teams could pay him,” Kawakami wrote.
It’s highly unlikely James will land another massive contract. He will turn 42 during the upcoming season. In fact, the only team that could offer anywhere close to what he earned last season is the Lakers themselves, which is why James may wind up continuing his tenure with the franchise.
However, if James’ time with the Lakers has run its course, the Warriors should be viewed as a smart landing spot. With James and Curry on the same team, Steve Kerr could have another championship in his sights. Of course, there’s no guarantee James chooses a move to the Bay Area; should he be faced with moving teams, however, on paper, Golden State looks like it could be his best option.
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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors Could Make Strong Free Agency Pitch to LeBron James
Reporting by Adam Taylor, Celtics Wire / Warriors Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
