Warriors Ready Backup Plan If LeBron James Slip Through

Curry Meets LeBron Amid Free‑Agency Rumor

Golden State has kept LeBron James on the radar all offseason, even before free agency officially kicked off. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Warriors star Stephen Curry held a face‑to‑face conversation with James about a possible reunion. The source described the talks as low‑percentage at first, but now sees “some legs” to the possibility as the summer progresses. Curry’s outreach underscores the Warriors’ aggressive stance in their pursuit of the superstar.

Warriors Lag Behind Miami, Cleveland, Philadelphia

Recent reporting suggests Golden State is not the favorite in the race for James. ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that, to his knowledge, Miami, Cleveland and Philadelphia have all moved ahead of the Warriors in the bidding. This shift indicates that the Warriors’ early momentum may be losing steam as other teams lock in offers. The loss of ground could force the franchise to pivot quickly when free‑agency negotiations peak.

DeRozan Emerging As The Backup Option

If the Warriors miss out on James, a clear alternative is already being discussed. Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe highlighted DeMar DeRozan as a viable target, especially with the team’s offense needing a boost after Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL. DeRozan’s experience and scoring touch could complement the existing roster while Butler recovers for next season. Though the 6‑time All‑Star has earned roughly $305 million over his career, he may accept a reduced contract to join Golden State.

Why DeRozan Fits Golden State’s Timeline

DeRozan’s ability to create his own shot aligns with the Warriors’ need for reliable scoring amid Butler’s absence. His tenure with a competitive team that values defense and versatility could translate well to Steve Kerr’s system. Additionally, his age‑adjusted contract expectations make him an attractive short‑term solution. Securing DeRozan would give the Warriors depth without overextending their financial resources, keeping their championship window open for the upcoming season.