The Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of LeBron James has been put on hold as the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar continues to weigh his options. James is reportedly keeping his decision close to his chest as multiple teams continue to make moves to show their interest in signing him.
If James snubs the Bay Area, the Warriors are already reportedly checking in on other veteran help.
Insider: Warriors Expected to Explore Signing 6-Time NBA All-Star Once LeBron James Saga Clears
On Monday, the Sacramento Kings announced that they have waived DeMar DeRozan, making the six-time All-Star one of the most sought-after free agents.
When free agency opened about a week ago, the Warriors were considered frontrunners to land the NBA’s all-time scoring leader. After Draymond Green opted out of his $27.7 million player option to create salary cap flexibility, some NBA analysts predicted it would only be a matter of time before James goes to Golden State.
The initial excitement has since then been tempered with a report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. According to Shelburne, the Dubs would only make significant changes if James commits to playing for them.
Golden State already has a Plan B if James takes his talents elsewhere. ESPN’s Warriors insider Anthony Slater gave his take on Monday following the Kings’ announcement.
“He (DeRozan), to me, slots in as one of the most important dominoes post-LeBron (James) whenever LeBron makes his decision,” Slater said.
🤔 Where will DeMar DeRozan sign?
🏀 Yaxel Lendeborg and Darius Acuff Jr.’s debut in Summer League@anthonyVslater joins SportsCenter to discuss the trending topics in the NBA pic.twitter.com/WPEJ3TSG7F— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 6, 2026
“I think a lot of the league is waiting on that. … I see the Miami Heat. I’d anticipate them being interested potentially in DeMar DeRozan. The Warriors, I’ve already been told, is a guy they will look into at some point in the coming days, especially if they do not get LeBron James,” he continued.
DeRozan was on the Kings’ 2026-27 payroll for $25.7 million, but only $10 million of that was guaranteed. After he agreed to cut ties with Sacramento, he could be a cheaper option in the post-James scenario.
This past season, the 17-year veteran averaged 18.4 points, 4,1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Like Jimmy Butler, DeRozan isn’t an enthusiastic or efficient shooter from behind the arc, but he is a proven scorer, particularly in the fourth quarter.
According to StatMuse, DeRozan’s 6.5 ppg in the final quarter is ninth in the entire NBA since the 2019-20 season. James’ 7.4 ppg is third on that list.
With Butler still rehabbing a torn right ACL, Deebo could be invaluable.
However, the Warriors might not have the luxury to wait for James to decide. Another team needing a veteran who can start or come off the bench and provide clutch scoring could take DeRozan off the market.
