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NBA Rumors: Could LeBron James actually sign with the Golden State Warriors?

By Michael Saenz

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on while there's a break in the action against Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on while there's a break in the action against Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors: LeBron James would reportedly be interested in meeting with the Golden State Warriors in free agency, but what does that really mean?

On the surface, it’s easy to see why a report stating that LeBron James would be willing to sit down and meet with the Golden State Warriors this summer in free agency so appealing.

After all, LeBron James, the greatest player on the planet, joining the greatest team (perhaps ever) assembled would be huge news for the league and LeBron himself. But for a moment, let’s just pretend none of those elements will exist or play a key part in LeBron’s decision.

For this post, specifically, let’s pretend that LeBron doesn’t care about staining his legacy and that the rest of the NBA would have no issue with this happening.

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In essence, how could this be done? What would the Warriors and/or Cavs have to do?

Well, it should be noted that the Warriors are capped out – meaning, that they would have to trade players in order to open a max slot for LeBron. So, who would have to be moved?

LeBron’s projected salary number for next season will be around $35 million. In order to outright sign him into their cap, the Warriors would have to trim an enormous amount of salary between now and July – in particular, two or three of their big money guys (Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala). In essence, at the draft – because there’s no way they’re going to do that while trying to defend the championship.

A more “realistic” way for the Warriors to land LeBron during the summer would likely be via sign-and-trade. To make that happen, the Cavaliers would have to OK a deal for either Klay Thompson and/or Draymond Green and/or Andre Iguodala.

Seeing that Klay is a free agent after next season, I find it hard to believe that Cleveland would willing trade LeBron for pretty much nothing and the remnants of Iguodala. Perhaps a packing of Draymond Green and Iggy would be more appealing? Maybe.

However, I don’t believe that Dan Gilbert will willingly move LeBron to the Warriors for expiring deals and some late draft picks. That means Draymond would have to be part of the deal. But I find it hard to believe the Warriors would move him.

So, what does this report really mean? Well, it was likely leaked by someone. And if I had to guess, it came from LeBron’s camp. Perhaps he wanted to send a message? A message stating that he’s serious about winning, and the Cavs should do everything they can – including potentially moving the Brooklyn pick – in order land him the help he needs.

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Maybe.

Or perhaps he’s just messing around with everyone. Either way, the likelihood and capability of the Golden State Warriors landing LeBron James is extremely low and improbable. Although, isn’t that what we were saying about Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors months before it came to fruition?

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