Alright, so the Golden State Warriors, the team that’s been dreaming of a LeBron James super-team all summer, are apparently starting to feel like total dark horses in the race. ESPN insider Marc Spears just dropped the news that internally, the Warriors believe LeBron James is "probably going out east." Talk about a gut punch for a franchise that's been clear they want to pair James with Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
LeBron's Eastern Pivot Stings The Bay
For what feels like forever, the Bay Area has been buzzing about the possibility of LeBron James joining the Warriors. Imagine that kind of star power, a trio of legends, absolutely wild. It's been the talk of free agency since day one. But now, as summer winds down, that dream looks like it's fading faster than a bad tan. Spears' report paints a picture of a team that's realizing their grand plan might just be a pipe dream. If the King is really heading back east, it leaves a massive hole in Golden State's summer plans. What do you do when your top target, the guy you were *sure* could help raise your ceiling, slips through your fingers?DeRozan: The $73 Million 'Floor Raiser' Golden State Needs?
If LeBron doesn't land in Golden State, and let's be real, it's looking pretty likely he won't, CBS Sports' Robby Kalland has a clear idea of where the Warriors pivot. Enter DeMar DeRozan. He’s a six-time All-Star, a certified future Hall of Famer, and he just hit the free agent market after his time with the Sacramento Kings ended. The Kings couldn’t find a trade partner for him, so they worked out a release even with a partial guarantee on his $73 million contract, making him one of the top available free agents. The Warriors, with their mid-level exception to offer, are looking like the most logical spot for him. Kalland points out that while DeRozan doesn't provide that "raise the ceiling" superstar impact like James, he absolutely "would help them raise their floor." The dude is a reliable scorer, someone who can create for himself, and that's a huge need for a team that's dealing with Jimmy Butler's injury concerns at veteran wing. Sure, DeRozan isn't known for elite defense, but his scoring punch alongside Curry? That's a serious weapon. The Warriors know what this 17-year veteran brings to the table, and after missing out on James, signing DeRozan really wouldn't be a bad fallback option at all. So, as the free agency saga continues, the Warriors are staring down a huge decision. Do they go all-in on DeRozan, hoping his scoring prowess and veteran leadership can solidify their roster? Or do they keep hunting for another piece? What's clear is that they need to make a move to ensure they're not just watching the top contenders from the outside.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.