LeBron James’ next move is starting to come into focus, and the timeline is apparently moving fast.
On Sunday, Heavy’s Sean Deveney reported that James is expected to make his free agency decision this week, a development that could finally loosen up a market that has been waiting on him. Deveney wrote, “The whole league is in a holding pattern, of course, based on the pending free-agent decision of LeBron James," Deveney wrote. "Thus far, he has done well to send multiple signals and misdirections that have kept all teams involved thinking they at least have a chance to sign him.”
He added, “The Cavs, Warriors, and Heat are still the favorites, but that’s only based on the educated guesses of those around the league. The expectation is that James will decide this week, and that should free up the market for the rest of the top players.”
That update comes after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday night that the Warriors are one of five teams with a realistic shot at landing James before the 2026-27 season begins. The other teams in that group are the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Jake Fischer of the Stein Line also chimed in, saying the Warriors are “still involved as any team,” which keeps Golden State squarely in the conversation for the 22-time All-Star.
The timing matters for the Warriors, too. They could enter 2026-27 with only one elite offensive threat to start the year, since Jimmy Butler is still recovering from his ACL injury. That’s why James would be such a massive addition if he chose Golden State.
James’ run with the Los Angeles Lakers ended earlier this summer, and now the focus is on where he’ll play his 24th season in the league. If he believes the Warriors can help him close out his career the right way, a blockbuster deal could be right around the corner.
In Other News...
Warriors Just Made A Major Addition To Steve Kerrs Bench
The Warriors have added a familiar and highly experienced voice to Steve Kerrs bench, bringing in a coach whose rsum stretches across multiple NBA stops and roles. Frank Vogel has been around winning programs for years, with head-coaching experience in Indiana, Orlando, Los Angeles and Phoenix, along with assistant work in Boston, Philadelphia and Dallas.
For Golden State, the appeal is obvious: a veteran who has managed different roster types and pressure points, and who has already guided the Lakers to a championship in the 2019-20 season. It is the kind of hire that can deepen a staff in a hurry, even if the full impact will only become clear once the season gets rolling. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Just Made A Behind The Scenes Move LeBron Fans Will Notice
The Warriors have added a familiar championship voice to Steve Kerrs staff, bringing in Frank Vogel as associate head coach, according to ESPNs Shams Charania. For Golden State, it is the kind of behind-the-scenes move that can matter well beyond the practice floor, especially with the roster and its star power always under the microscope.
Vogels most notable recent stop came with the Lakers, where he coached LeBron James and helped deliver a title, so the hire is bound to catch the attention of anyone tracking the long-running LeBron-to-Golden State chatter. Warriors players have already been openly involved in recruiting James, and while no signing has happened, the addition of Vogel gives the franchise another layer of familiarity around a storyline that refuses to go away. [Read more 🡒]
Udonis Haslem Got Pulled Into Another Heat Culture Firestorm
A social media dispute involving former Heat teammates Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo has a way of spilling beyond South Florida, and this one quickly drew in a familiar voice from the Warriors side. The flare-up started with direct messages between Herro and a fan, then widened into a back-and-forth that got plenty of attention once Draymond Green weighed in on it.
Greens comments brought Udonis Haslem into the conversation, with the former Heat captain once again positioned as the defender of Miamis standard and identity. Haslem answered on social media and stood up for Heat culture, keeping the issue alive even as the original exchange remained the kind of online dust-up that can linger long after the posts themselves. [Read more 🡒]