During a press conference ahead of the American Century Championship, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry had no problem sharing his free-agency recruiting pitch for LeBron James.
“The pitch is: Do you wanna play good basketball and be around people that know how to play the game? Hopefully raise our floor and our competitiveness this year. There’s good golf in the Bay,” Curry said. “But we’re an organization that’s been there, he knows that. And that’s really self-explanatory. It’s just a matter of where he sees himself fitting. And at the end of the day, that’s up to him.”
But when asked if he’s contacted James or plans to, Curry shut down.
Stephen Curry Refuses to Reveal If He’s Been in Contact With LeBron James
“Stay out of my personal business,” Curry said with a smile.
The comment drew laughs from fellow American Century Championship winners Joe Pavelski and Mardy Fish.
James-to-Golden State rumors have been heating up ever since Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option specifically to help give the Warriors more financial freedom to pursue the four-time NBA champion. On Thursday, photos surfaced of James and Green on a golf course in Puerto Rico.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this week that the Warriors are not viewed as a frontrunner unless they can also land Anthony Davis in a trade from the Washington Wizards. That trade would require Jimmy Butler going to Washington; however, the Wizards are reportedly hesitant to trade Davis.
Curry acknowledged that teaming up with James after their battles in the NBA Finals would be a full-circle moment.
“I mean, up until probably two or three years ago, it was like a pipedream question or thought, but that is a part of the allure,” Curry admitted. “For him, going into his 23rd or 24th, I don’t know, season, and me going to my 18th, the battles that we had, that would be such a unique story in NBA history, sports history. But it’s a little premature right now to talk about it other than that.”
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According to Charania, James has narrowed down his free-agency options to five teams: the Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Based on what James’ agent Rich Paul has said, it sounds like James is taking his time and a decision isn’t expected anytime soon. For now, NBA free agency is essentially on pause as the league waits for James to make his decision.
