According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, if Golden State could create a max salary slot for a free agent this offseason, LeBron James would be open to meet with the Warriors.
ESPN Sources: LeBron James could meet with Golden State Warriors during free-agency. https://t.co/6VACFDFf4M
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 1, 2018
The report goes on to say that James would be willing to take the meeting, ‘Out of respect for the Warriors’ winning culture.’ It also states that the Warriors are not evaluating James at the current moment.
This is a new development. Up until now there’s been little to no speculation of LeBron joining the Warriors, his (albeit, hyped-up) main rival. Many expect James to leave Ohio for greener pastures (Los Angeles, San Antonio, Houston among possible destinations), but a move to the Golden State would be a surprise, to say the least.
The report comes at an interesting time for the Warriors. ESPN published the piece the night before Warriors General Manager Bob Myers is set to meet with media to talk about the upcoming NBA trade deadline.
Let’s all take this with a massive grain of salt. Players and their agents float rumors like this regularly to create leverage heading into a trade deadline or offseason. Where there is smoke does not always mean fire. Bob Myers and Golden State’s front office would also have to do a significant amount of contract shuffling to add another max contract to what is already the largest payroll in the Association.
That being said…it’s an intriguing idea. Our money’s on this being the top storyline of Thursday morning across the NBA. Rise and shine, Warriors fans.
We’ll be at practice in Oakland Thursday morning to bring you the latest on this developing story, as well as trade deadline talk from Bob Myers.