Warriors' Struggles to Land Superstar Targets Raise Concerns

NBA insider questions Golden State's ability to attract top free agents like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:41am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conceptually representing the Warriors' difficulties in assembling a championship-caliber roster.The Warriors' struggles to land top free agent targets like Giannis Antetokounmpo highlight the team's challenges in rebuilding around Stephen Curry.Today in Milwaukee

The Golden State Warriors have long been rumored to pursue top NBA superstars, but an NBA insider says the team has consistently failed to land these high-profile free agents over the years. With Stephen Curry aging and the team's recent struggles, the pressure is on the Warriors' front office to finally reel in a superstar this offseason, potentially targeting players like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Why it matters

The Warriors' inability to sign marquee free agents is a major concern, as the team looks to rebuild around Stephen Curry and return to championship contention. Acquiring a superstar talent could be the missing piece, but the Warriors' track record in this area raises doubts about their ability to pull off a blockbuster signing.

The details

NBA insider Matt Steinmetz recently highlighted the Warriors' struggles to land top free agents, citing a list of stars the team has allegedly pursued without success, including LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant. The Warriors were rumored to be interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Steinmetz is skeptical they'll be able to sign the Bucks' star this offseason despite the potential appeal of pairing him with Stephen Curry.

  • The Warriors were reportedly interested in Kawhi Leonard at the February trade deadline, but were unable to complete a deal.
  • As the 2023 offseason approaches, speculation about the Warriors' pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo has ramped up.

The players

Stephen Curry

The veteran point guard and face of the Warriors franchise, who is looking to lead the team back to championship contention.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks' superstar forward, who is expected to be one of the most coveted free agents this offseason.

Steve Kerr

The Warriors' head coach, who has guided the team to multiple championships but is now facing pressure to return the team to elite status.

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What they’re saying

“Giannis, Dwight, LeBron, George, Markkanen, Kawhi, Durant... Guys the Warriors have allegedly gone after, never gotten, but this'll be the magical year that they get one of them.”

— Matt Steinmetz, NBA Insider

“What if Giannis stood up and said, I want to make sure I go to Golden State. And you think about the gazelle that he is, the dude that he is in the open court, the way that he finishes at the basket, and how he has to draw your attention. And then all of a sudden, he's somebody that could kick it out to that man, Steph Curry. It'd be like you fantasize about stuff like this.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

As the 2023 offseason approaches, the Warriors will be under intense pressure to finally land a superstar free agent to pair with Stephen Curry and return the team to championship contention.

The takeaway

The Warriors' inability to sign top-tier free agents in recent years is a major concern, as the team looks to rebuild around an aging Stephen Curry. Acquiring a superstar talent could be the missing piece, but the Warriors' track record in this area raises doubts about their ability to pull off a blockbuster signing.