LeBron James’ free agency decision is at the top of the NBA world right now. The Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers have been priorities on his destination list since he informed the Los Angeles Lakers he would not be returning next season.
However, so much has changed in just a few days since the start of free agency, and one team may find itself losing the James sweepstakes.
Golden State Warriors Not Viewed as LeBron James’ Top Destination
ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania appeared on “Get Up” on the morning of July 3. He gave the latest update regarding the future Hall of Famer’s next team.
“So much has changed. There’s fluidity that comes with it. A few days ago, the Sixers didn’t have Jaylen Brown, so now they do. Now they have to be on the radar of LeBron James. The Cavaliers, the Heat, they’re two teams that are known quantities,” said Charania.
The Boston Celtics shockingly traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. This move added to the power-shifting moves in the Eastern Conference this summer, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo going to the Miami Heat and Kawhi Leonard reuniting with the Toronto Raptors.
The 76ers, Heat, and Raptors burst into contention as a result, potentially piquing James’ interest to make one more championship run.
All of these changes are likely affecting James’ desire to sign with Golden State and team up with Stephen Curry. Charania explained the Warriors’ master plan to convince James, but it might not come to fruition.
“The Warriors, going into free agency, dreamt up a grand plan of Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James, but the big domino with them is trying to get a player like Anthony Davis to bring in LeBron James and Anthony Davis as a package deal. Short of that, they’re not really looked at as the top of this list,” Charania reported.
Shams says the Warriors are NOT looked at as the top team on LeBron’s list:
“So much has changed. There’s fluidity that comes with it. A few days ago the Sixers didn’t have Jaylen Brown so now they do. Now they have to be on the radar of LeBron James. The Cavs, the Heat, their… pic.twitter.com/B6moONep4C
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) July 3, 2026
It looks like acquiring Anthony Davis might be the only way for the Warriors to get back to No. 1 on James’ list. However, the Washington Wizards have not shown any interest in trading the 10-time All-Star. ESPN’s Marc Spears said the Wizards are “not listening to trade offers for him.”
Spears also noted an anonymous NBA executive “[said] Wizards GM Will Dawkins is a huge fan of AD.”
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Washington just drafted AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. Davis does not fit the Wizards’ contention timeline with younger players. However, if they feel Trae Young, Davis, and Dybantsa can put them back in the playoff picture, Davis’ championship experience and mentorship would be valuable to Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, and others.
The Warriors may have to pivot to another plan if Washington chooses this path.
