As Stephen Curry eyes one last hurrah this season, the Golden State Warriors are already plotting their summer strategy. With Jimmy Butler sidelined and Draymond Green's performance waning, the Warriors are in dire need of a new star to give Steph another shot at glory.
According to Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard, the Warriors might be eyeing Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James post-2026 NBA playoffs. It's a bold move, but given the challenges this season, it might be the shake-up they need.
Sitting 10th in the West with a 36-38 record, the Warriors' current campaign seems bleak. Steph's return this season is uncertain, but his impressive stats-27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game-show he's still a force. Surround him with the right talent, and they could be contenders next year.
Financial flexibility is key. The Warriors are deep in luxury tax territory, so they'll need to offload some contracts and negotiate smarter deals.
If they can secure team-friendly contracts with Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis, they'll be in a solid position to build a competitive roster. Enter Kawhi Leonard.
At 34, Leonard aligns perfectly with the Warriors' win-now mindset. His two-way play complements Curry's style, and with current averages of 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, he's in peak form.
If the Clippers face penalties in the NBA's cap-circumvention investigation, Leonard could become a free agent. Joining Curry in San Francisco might just be the enticing opportunity he seeks, even if it means a pay cut.
Then there's LeBron James. For the first time, he's on an expiring contract, fueling speculation about his future.
While retirement looms as a possibility, the Warriors could be an intriguing option. Though his interest seems minimal, pairing with Curry could reignite the magic.
LeBron's stats-20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists per game-show he still has plenty to offer, even as he nears the twilight of his career.
The Warriors have tough decisions ahead, but with strategic moves, they could reshape their destiny and give Curry the support he needs to chase another title.