Murmurs of the Golden State Warriors' interest in LeBron James simply won't go away, leading to an intriguing offseason ahead where the 4x MVP will become an unrestricted free agent.
Potential suitors will likely spend plenty of time considering how much they truly need the 41-year-old in order to be a contender, but that question doesn't apply so much to the Warriors considering Jimmy Butler's ACL injury suffered in January.
Warriors are staring at the reality of actually needing LeBron James
If James is actually willing to leave the Los Angeles Lakers on a team-friendly contract in the offseason, then it's something the Warriors need to pursue, not just because it would make for an incredible storyline, but because they actually need the superstar forward.
The idea of 'needing' a player who will turn 42-years-old at the end of the year is a brutal reality for any team to face, but it's simply where Golden State are at given Butler's injury that will put him out until over halfway through next season.
With a healthy Butler and Stephen Curry, and with the right pieces around them, the Warriors could have been a sneaky threat in the Western Conference this season, and perhaps into next season as well.
Unfortunately, Butler is now starting at a long rehabilitation process, while Curry too is currently out with 'runner's knee' as he approaches 38-years-old. They need more star power in Butler's absence, and while he's no longer the player he once was, James still brings that dynamic.
The 22x All-Star still remains a high level offensive player, having averaged 21.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Lakers this season. Golden State got a first-hand look at how dominant James can still be, going for 22 points, seven rebounds and nine assists on 7-of-13 shooting (4-of-6 from 3-point range) in only 28 minutes during Saturday's game at Chase Center.
LeBron James could help push Warriors back into title contention
Stopping short of a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo that would require them to unload almost all their draft capital, signing James in free agency may be the most cost-effective and realistic option for the Warriors in the offseason.
The fact Golden State need James should be one of their pitches if they can have a free agency conversation, particularly in comparison to other suitors who may already be a legitimate title threat without him.
A trio of Curry, James and the returning Butler, along with some combination of Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, wouldn't be instant title favorites given the age and injury concerns, but it could certainly be enough if things broke right.