LeBron, Green, and Scrutiny
LeBron James Opts for 76ers, Warriors Re-Sign Draymond Green Amid Rivalry Scrutiny
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Key Points
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Warriors’ offseason is unusually quiet: Golden State did not add any free agents or make trades, with their lone 2026 move being the draft pick of Yaxel Lendeborg at 11th overall, alongside re-signing Draymond Green for one year at $27.7 million.
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Green’s 15th season in Golden State will continue under the same one-year, $27.7 million contract he initially opted out of, preserving the Warriors’ continuity around Curry while avoiding a longer commitment.
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LeBron James’ decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers is linked, in part, to public backlash that would have accompanied a reunion with the Warriors, a factor highlighted by Draymond Green on his show.
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Green also indicated James took several weeks to decide, suggesting the era’s heightened scrutiny and potential for media narratives to shape how a move would be perceived.
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Philadelphia’s strengthened core around Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid signals a shifted balance in the East, with Philadelphia reportedly complemented by new pieces such as VJ Edgecombe, contrasting with Golden State’s thinner roster.
LeBron James will take his talents to Philadelphia, signing with the 76ers and ending the Golden State Warriors' hopes of landing the league's biggest free agent. Meanwhile, the Warriors' offseason quietly wrapped up with one move: re-signing Draymond Green to a one-year, $27.7 million deal, keeping him in the Bay Area for a 15th season. Fox News reported the team failed to secure James before he chose Philadelphia.
The Warriors are the only team in the NBA that has not added a single player — via trade or free agency — since the offseason began, according to Marca. That leaves Stephen Curry with a thinner roster than in past championship runs, raising real questions about Golden State's title window.
Green Returns, But Klay Thompson Door Closes
Draymond Green had opted out of his previous deal, then re-signed for the same money — $27.7 million for one year, which is $100,000 more than his prior salary, according to Freedom 96.9. The contract has no no-trade clause. Green gets continuity with Curry. The Warriors get a familiar face in the locker room.
But the deal comes with a cost. According to Blue Man Hoop, Green's $27.7 million contract has all but ended any chance of the Warriors reuniting with sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Thompson recently drew interest from other teams, and Golden State's cap situation now makes a return very unlikely.
Green Says History and Backlash Pushed LeBron Away
Why didn't LeBron pick the Warriors? Draymond Green offered his theory on his show. He said James could not get past the history between the two franchises. The Warriors and LeBron's teams met in the NBA Finals four straight times from 2015 to 2018. That rivalry left a deep mark, Green suggested.
Green also said James would have faced massive backlash from fans and media for teaming up with Curry, according to CBS Sports. The public scrutiny, Green argued, weighed heavily on LeBron's choice. Green added that James took several weeks to make his decision, showing how seriously he weighed each option before landing in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Builds a Loaded Eastern Conference Threat
With LeBron now in Philadelphia, the 76ers have built one of the East's most dangerous rosters. James joins Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. The team also added young wing VJ Edgecombe, giving Philadelphia both star power and depth. This is a sharp contrast to Golden State's quiet offseason.
The shift in the East is hard to ignore. Philadelphia's core is now stacked with proven scorers and a future Hall of Famer in LeBron. The 76ers are positioned as a real title contender — while the Warriors are betting on internal growth and the same core that has not won a ring since 2022.
Curry's Title Window Grows Narrower Without a Star Addition
Stephen Curry turns 37 in March 2026. Every offseason matters. The Warriors had a real shot at pairing him with LeBron, which would have been one of the most talked-about duos in NBA history. Instead, Golden State heads into next season with Green, Curry, and a roster built more on loyalty than star power, according to Fox News.
Marca noted that Curry can at least smile knowing Green is back. But smiling and competing for a championship are two different things. The Warriors will need big internal jumps from younger players to stay relevant in the West. Their 11th overall draft pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, is the only new face on the roster heading into 2026-27.
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