This time, the Warriors are not simply imagining the pairing—they are actively considering a plan around it. Yet the plan hinges on a crucial question: will LeBron commit first?
Insiders have noted that Golden State would want a firm commitment from LeBron before pursuing other marquee moves, such as adding Anthony Davis. The central issue driving the team’s strategy is sequencing: the order of steps matters greatly, and a LeBron commitment could unlock further moves.
The Warriors have discussed the possibility of a “Big Four” featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis. Draymond Green declined his player option to create the financial flexibility needed for such a plan, signaling a willingness to take on longer-term risk for a championship-focused lineup. However, there is substantial risk in trading significant assets for Davis before obtaining LeBron’s commitment, as it could leave the team without depth or financial flexibility if LeBron lands elsewhere.
Even if LeBron says yes, landing Davis is not straightforward. Davis would likely seek more than the two remaining years on his current contract and would become eligible for a four-year extension worth a substantial amount in August. This makes Davis a long-term piece rather than a short-term addition, complicating any trade calculations for the Warriors.
Given the current situation, the Warriors would need to extend Davis or pursue him with the expectation of a longer-term commitment from LeBron. This complexity is part of a broader sequencing challenge: without LeBron, there is no clear path to a Big Four; without Davis, there is no definitive plan to chase a four-piece lineup. The sequencing issue thus cascades through the entire offseason strategy.
There is also skepticism about the likelihood of Davis changing teams, given that some league insiders have suggested the Wizards’ front office views him as a foundational piece to build around. Meanwhile, the Warriors recently moved to reinforce their frontcourt with a two-year, $40 million contract for a proven talent, signaling a shift in strategy and a possible move away from pursuing Davis in the near term.
Another possibility behind the frenzy is leverage. The surrounding speculation could strengthen Davis’s negotiating position as he approaches extension eligibility, potentially influencing how teams approach the market.
For now, the core takeaway is clear: the Warriors are waiting on LeBron’s commitment before they can meaningfully target Anthony Davis. Until that commitment is secured, the envisioned Big Four remains speculative, and the Warriors’ offseason plans are effectively on hold. The dream of a LeBron-Curry collaboration in Golden State has not fully materialized, as the team’s next steps depend on that pivotal decision from LeBron James.
