Warriors Pursue Superstar Free Agents in Offseason

Golden State looks to land LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard this summer.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:07am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of blue, gold, and red representing the Warriors and Clippers colors, conveying the high-stakes nature of the Warriors' offseason plans.The Warriors' pursuit of superstar free agents LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard could reshape the NBA landscape.Los Angeles Today

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly planning an aggressive offseason push to sign either LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard, according to reports. The team would need to clear significant salary cap space to make a run at one of the NBA's biggest stars.

Why it matters

Landing a superstar like James or Leonard would give the Warriors a major boost as they look to return to championship contention after a down season. However, clearing the necessary cap room will be a significant challenge for the luxury tax-paying franchise.

The details

To create the needed cap flexibility, the Warriors would have to offload contracts, allow some free agents to walk, and negotiate team-friendly deals with key players like Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis. The team could also explore a sign-and-trade scenario to bring in either James or Leonard.

  • The Warriors are reportedly planning this aggressive offseason push now.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who is currently on an expiring contract, averaging 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season.

Kawhi Leonard

A 34-year-old NBA superstar putting up 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season, who could become a free agent if the Clippers lose him due to the ongoing Aspiration scandal.

Draymond Green

A key Warriors player who the team would need to negotiate a team-friendly deal with.

Kristaps Porzingis

A key Warriors player who the team would need to negotiate a team-friendly deal with.

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What they’re saying

“Could the Warriors' best and brightest option this offseason really be going hard to land either Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James? I think it might be. I think all the dire circumstances and frightful indicators of this season are leading the Warriors down this do-or-die path.”

— Tim Kawakami, Reporter, The San Francisco Standard

What’s next

The Warriors will need to clear significant salary cap space in the coming months to have a chance at signing either LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard as free agents this offseason.

The takeaway

The Warriors are willing to take a major risk this offseason by pursuing one of the NBA's biggest superstars in free agency, even if it means making difficult roster moves to create the necessary cap room. This aggressive approach reflects the team's desire to return to championship contention after a down season.