While little is known about LeBron James‘ plans for free agency, the Warriors are “far and away” the Lakers superstar’s “most interested external suitor,” according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).
There has been some reporting indicating that Golden State may try to trade for Wizards big man Anthony Davis to further enhance their chances of signing James using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, but the team hasn’t been acting as though the former championship teammates are some sort of package deal, sources tell The Stein Line.
According to Stein and Fischer, the Warriors continue to signal behind the scenes that they’re reluctant to trade Jimmy Butler, who would have to be sent out to acquire Davis for salary-matching purposes. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and head coach Steve Kerr both have strong relationships with Butler, the authors observe.
“I don’t want to get into a constant cycle of responding to this stuff,” Butler’s agent Bernie Lee told ESPN on Monday. “But I will say the Warriors — from ownership to the front office to the coaches and medical staff — have been resolute in their plan to support Jimmy through his rehab. … That remains true today as I respond to you.”
Draymond Green declining his $27.7MM player option added fuel to the Davis chatter. The former Defensive Player of the Year won’t be going anywhere: Stein and Fischer report that Green is expected to re-sign with the Warriors on a new multiyear contract once the team figures out its other roster moves.
