LeBron James chose Philadelphia over Golden State for a third straight summer, ending the Warriors’ most serious chase yet. Steve Kerr joked about it on the Las Vegas Strip, but the pursuit behind that joke was real. Golden State ultimately ran back most of last season’s 37-win roster. The Warriors re-signed Al Horford, extended Kristaps Porzingis, and used the number 11 pick on Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg.
A Genuine Pursuit Behind the Joke
A fan filming Kerr from a nearby car during summer league in Las Vegas shouted a question about LeBron. “Oh, we got him,” Kerr laughed back, telling the fan to put it on social media. The clip spread fast and reignited hope among Warriors fans, hope Kerr never shared himself. “I didn’t even think we were realistically in the running for LeBron,” he told ESPN. “It never seemed serious to me despite all the reports.”
Behind the scenes, though, Golden State pushed hard. Draymond Green turned down guaranteed money by declining his player option early in free agency. He did it partly to open up cap space, and he spent time with James during that stretch. Curry made direct contact with James to confirm he would welcome playing alongside him. Even ownership got involved. Warriors owner Joe Lacob sent a personal voice message to James’s agent, Rich Paul, making the case himself.
The pitch leaned on a historic pairing alongside Curry and a veteran-friendly culture. It also offered a salary boost toward the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, and proximity to his family in Southern California. James reportedly explored splitting time between the Bay Area and Los Angeles during the season, the way Green and Jimmy Butler occasionally do.
Why Philadelphia Won the Race
Despite the effort, people close to the team never believed Golden State was seriously in contention during the final weeks. James was already deep in talks with the 76ers and their coach, Nick Nurse, and Kerr said he had no direct contact with James throughout.
Two factors decided it, according to team sources. First, James’s fraught history with the Warriors during their dynasty years seemed to weigh on how the move would be read. Green addressed it on his own podcast. “I ultimately don’t think Bron was ever able to get over the history, and I understand it, I get it.” Second, and more importantly, James wanted a roster built to win now. Philadelphia’s blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown, engineered by former Warriors executive Bob Myers, delivered exactly that.
James’s own statement on the decision named the 76ers, the Heat, and the Cavaliers, but never mentioned Golden State. It framed the choice around winning rather than family or money. The Warriors explored a trade for Anthony Davis to sweeten their pitch. They were unwilling to part with Butler or the draft capital it would have required without a firm commitment from James first.
Standing Pat, By Design
With James never truly close, Golden State pressed on with a conservative summer. The Warriors re-signed Horford and locked in Porzingis for two years and $40 million on terms that heavily favour the club. Only $3 million of the second season is guaranteed, so he stays easy to move if needed.
Golden State also chose De’Anthony Melton over a similarly priced deal for Anfernee Simons, judging Melton the better defensive fit alongside Curry in the backcourt.
| Player | 2026 deal | Why it mattered |
|---|---|---|
| De’Anthony Melton | Two years, roughly $11 million, stayed with Golden State | Stronger on-ball defender, moves well off the ball next to Curry |
| Anfernee Simons | Two years, similar value, signed with Philadelphia | More scoring punch, but defensive limitations gave Golden State pause |
Talks with Rui Hachimura’s camp stalled before Golden State could match the two-year, $28 million deal he ultimately took from the LA Clippers.
General manager Mike Dunleavy has pushed back on the idea that talent, not health, explained last season’s shortfall. Even so, the Warriors return an ageing group with real durability concerns, including two wings, Butler and Moses Moody, still working back from knee surgery. Management points to just $34.9 million guaranteed for the 2027-28 season as proof the roster stays flexible enough to strike when the right deal appears.
Kerr has been among the loudest internal voices urging patience over a rushed all-in move. “Sometimes not making a move can be the best thing to do for your future,” he said. “And you keep stacking up good moves, and eventually you pounce when you’re ready.”
Golden State’s clearest bet on the future came on draft night. The Warriors wanted Arizona guard Brayden Burries, but Milwaukee grabbed him one pick earlier at number 10. Kerr’s reaction on the night said it all. Golden State turned instead to Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg at number 11.
Lendeborg’s path to Golden State was not smooth. Warriors staff had told him bluntly that he came across like a jackass in his 2025 combine interview. He transferred to Michigan afterwards, changed his habits, and led the Wolverines to a national title. A pre-draft workout with Kerr, including a joint film session, won the coaching staff over this time. “He has a really good natural feel, and we have a direct need for him here,” Kerr said. He pointed to the wing opening created by the Butler and Moody injuries. Lendeborg went on to win summer league MVP after starting all eight games.
Green ultimately re-signed on a one-year, $27.7 million deal after his gamble on landing James did not pay off. He waived his implicit no-trade protection in exchange for the return of his 15 percent trade kicker, giving the front office more room to manoeuvre. A contract extension for Curry remains a shared point of interest. He becomes eligible in late August, even as most of the rest of the roster stays exposed heading into next year.
Kerr, entering his 13th season in charge, has been candid about needing a tighter operation after last year’s disappointment. “We are not in the championship conversation,” he admitted. “So let’s see what we can do as a group to re-establish what we stand for.”
Matthew Reed creates content focused on crypto casinos, betting platforms, and user-focused gambling guides.