When asked about the Warriors’ chances of signing James, Curry said he doesn’t quantify the odds. “It’s kind of up to him. I feel like any place he called and said, ‘I want to play there,’ you move mountains to make it happen. And I know we’re in that boat as well,” he explained.
James, who recently left the Los Angeles Lakers, has been the marquee name on the free-agent market. NBA insiders have consistently identified Golden State as one of the teams monitoring his decision.
Curry’s pitch focused on winning culture rather than contracts or roster specifics. “The pitch is: Do you want to play good basketball and be around people who know how to play the game? Raise our floor, competitiveness… There’s good golf in the Bay,” he said, eliciting laughter before elaborating on Golden State’s championship pedigree. “We’re an organization that’s been there [winning championships]. 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.”
Curry noted that Golden State has won four NBA championships during his tenure, underlining the long-standing championship culture.
The recruiting effort comes after a high-profile Team USA experience, where Curry and James played together under coach Steve Kerr. They helped lead the United States to Olympic gold in Paris, delivering memorable performances against Serbia in the semifinals and France in the final. James described the Olympic run as “everything and more,” and hinted that the prospect of reuniting with Curry in the NBA remains a possibility.
Beyond LeBron’s decision, Curry acknowledged that the Warriors must be prepared for all outcomes. If James signs elsewhere, the organization will continue to evaluate every scenario. He praised the returns of Kristaps Porziņģis and De’Anthony Melton, while acknowledging that the team may face the opening months of the season without two important contributors.
Golden State expects Jimmy Butler to miss the beginning of the 2026-27 season while he recovers from ACL surgery, with a typical rehabilitation timeline ranging from 10 to 12 months. Moses Moody is also projected to miss the start of the season following knee surgery, with rehabilitation continuing into the late fall or winter.
Despite potential setbacks, Curry believes the Warriors can hold down the fort and remain competitive until key players return, emphasizing the team’s depth and resilience.
Curry highlighted his confidence in the Warriors’ front office, praising executive leadership and head coach. He stressed that the team will compete at a high level regardless of LeBron James’ decision.
If James decides to pursue a championship run and meaningful basketball with a familiar group, Curry argues that the Warriors offer many of the elements he seeks: a proven system, a winning culture, and the opportunity to team up with players and a coaching staff who have already achieved elite success together.
