The Golden State Warriors went all-in trying to snag former Lakers star LeBron James in free agency, with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green actively recruiting him from day one. You just knew they were dreaming of one last legendary run with head coach Steve Kerr, Curry, Green, and James. But man, sometimes dreams stay dreams, right? ESPN’s Marc Spears is reporting that the Warriors feel like they’re a “dark horse” now, saying James is “probably going out east.” Ouch.
The LeBron Dream Is Fading, So What’s the Backup?
With the King looking like he’s heading elsewhere, the Warriors needed a Plan B, and fast. They reportedly set their sights on veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, a guy who’s racked up over $305 million in his career. CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland noted that Golden State has the “mid-level to offer,” and they felt like the most likely spot for DeRozan if they missed out on James. They definitely need another player who can create his own shot, and while DeRozan doesn’t elevate their ceiling like James would, he could totally raise their floor. A proven scorer and shot creator? Sounds like a solid move if you can’t get the biggest fish.
DeRozan to Miami? Another Blow Could Be Coming
Just when you think Golden State has a decent fallback, here comes the cold water. Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley is predicting the Warriors could lose out on DeRozan too, and guess who’s the rumored spoiler? The Miami Heat. Akeley points out that DeRozan has only been on one winning team in the last seven seasons, so he’s probably “thirsty for a deep playoff run.” And let’s be real, according to Akeley, the Heat are “more likely to go on a deep run than the Warriors.” Miami’s recent postseason success definitely gives them an edge if it comes down to a choice between the two teams. It’s a rough prediction, signaling a potentially disappointing free agency where the Warriors miss both their top target and their contingency.
So, what’s next for Golden State if they strike out on both James and DeRozan? The reports suggest if James signs with Cleveland or Philadelphia, the Warriors would still “pivot to other options.” They’ve gotta find someone to boost that roster, or this offseason could be a total bust before it even really gets going. What a nail-biter of a free agency, and the Warriors are definitely feeling the heat.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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