Draymond Green doesn’t see much debate when it comes to the most impactful free agent signing of the 2026 NBA offseason.
On the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Golden State Warriors forward was asked to pick the move that stands out most, and he landed on LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I think LeBron,” Green said. “Just with his championship experience, his leadership on a team that hasn’t been able to get over the hump, I think that makes it a very impactful and interesting signing for Philly.”
James took a long time to make his decision before ultimately agreeing to a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers that includes a player option for the second season. Whether or not that qualifies as the offseason’s biggest splash, it is certainly the best-value contract in the NBA.
The 41-year-old still produced at a high level for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26, putting up 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. That kind of output makes it clear why Green views him as such a major addition.
Philadelphia is also the kind of place where James’ presence carries extra weight. The 76ers last won an NBA title in 1983, last reached the Finals in 2001 and have not been to the Eastern Conference Finals since then either. Postseason disappointment has defined the franchise for years, and James believes he can help change that.
He won’t be doing it alone. The 22-time All-Star is set to team up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and another new arrival in Jaylen Brown. With four All-Stars on the roster, Philadelphia looks very much like a superteam.
Brown brings his own championship resume after helping the Boston Celtics win it all in 2024. If that group finds the right rhythm, the rest of the league has plenty to worry about.
Green also addressed the Warriors’ slow summer and their late arrival to the free-agent market. For a stretch, Golden State was the only team in the league that had not added anyone in free agency, with the club only re-signing players. Green, for instance, came back on a one-year, $27.7 million deal.
The Warriors also had interest in James, but he chose Philadelphia instead. Green said he has his own ideas about why that happened.
This week, Golden State finally made a pair of additions, landing Brandon Williams on a one-year, $2.6 million deal and Georges Niang on a one-year, $3.9 million contract. Green offered a quick take on Niang, saying:
“Georges Niang signed with the Warriors on a one-year $3.9 million deal,” Green said. “Georges Niang, who didn’t play last year due to injury.
We all know who Georges is. He mixes it up.
He shoot the three-ball well. Good guy to have in your locker room.”
Williams and Niang give the Warriors some depth, but Green’s larger point was clear: they are not the kind of moves that shift the balance of power. Golden State missed the playoffs last season, and it would not be a shock if they fall short again.
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