The Golden State Warriors could land a free-agency meeting with LeBron James this offseason if they can clear enough cap space to offer him a max deal, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes.
If the Golden State Warriors can create a max salary slot this offseason, the defending NBA champions could position themselves to secure a meeting with LeBron James, league sources told ESPN.
There is no indication that Golden State is evaluating such options to acquire the Cleveland Cavaliers star at this time.
Out of respect for the Warriors' winning culture, James would listen if Golden State explored ways to clear the necessary cap space, sources said.
However, it's highly unlikely that this potential match will ever come to fruition. In order to clear the necessary cap space to sign James, the Warriors would have to either not re-sign Kevin Durant or trade some combination of Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala without absorbing virtually any salary in return.
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Golden State also plans to explore a potential deal for New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis this offseason. Earlier this month, there was talk of a potential trade in which Golden State would send both Thompson and Green to New Orleans for Davis.
Thompson is under contract through the 2018-19 season and Golden State is not expected to be able to re-sign him, as he's expected to receive a max contract on the open market. Green's deal expires the following season.
James is expected to decline the $34.6 million player option on his contract for next season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in order to explore free agency. A number of teams, specifically the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers are planning to pursue him on the open market.
James is averaging 26.6 points, 8.7 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game this season.
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