Warriors predicted to sign $305M Future Hall of Famer, 6x All-Star after missing on LeBron James

The Golden State Warriors were optimistic about the possibility of bringing LeBron James to the Bay Area for the final chapter of his career. Throughout the free agency process, Golden State believed it had a legitimate chance to land the four-time NBA champion.

In the end, however, James chose not to finish his career with the Warriors. Instead, he agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote. “James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania.”

With James off the board, the Warriors quickly shifted their focus to other offseason priorities. Before free agency concluded, they re-signed Draymond Green to the same contract he had previously opted out of in order to give Golden State flexibility to pursue James.

“Draymond Green has agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors on a one-year, $27.7 million deal, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. The contract is the same Green opted out of to give the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James, but the sides land his return Tuesday,” ESPN Shams Charania wrote.

The Warriors still have three open roster spots but remain over the first apron. Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters believes Golden State could pivot to veteran DeMar DeRozan after missing out on James.

“Early on in James' free agency, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that DeRozan could be a potential target for Golden State if it missed out on James. He would fit well on the Warriors' roster alongside Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. He'd also be a relatively affordable short-term option that would allow Golden State to continue building for the future while maintaining a competitive roster,” Peters wrote.

DeRozan would be a strong addition for the Warriors and could step into the starting lineup while Jimmy Butler continues recovering from his ACL injury. Although DeRozan is not known for his defense, he remains one of the NBA's best mid-range scorers.

DeRozan has earned more than $305 million over the course of his career. As the Warriors look to remain competitive with their veteran core, DeRozan could provide another proven scorer while giving Golden State a realistic path to contend this season.

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