The Golden State Warriors' dream of landing LeBron James in free agency is quickly turning into a nightmare, with the strong possibility of the franchise being left in the cold with very little in the way of alternative options.
The Warriors are still pursuing James but don't appear confident of actually signing the 4x MVP, and in the meantime they're missing out on other top free agents who may otherwise have been a possibility this offseason.
Warriors' LeBron James dream is quickly turning into a nightmare
Golden State were the early favorites for James at the start of free agency after Draymond Green opted out of his player option and the 41-year-old confirmed his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, that has since shifted far more towards a fairytale reunion at the Cleveland Cavaliers, with ESPN insider Anthony Slater reporting on Monday that the Warriors only have a "low level of optimism" that they can land James.
"On the James front, Warriors sources continue to express a low level of optimism that James will ultimately pick them as his next team, but they intend to keep roster space open for James until he ultimately declares his choice," Slater wrote.
This feels like a familair tale for Golden State over recent years where they chase a big name player, avoid making other moves to ensure they still have a chance at said player, yet ultimately miss out and see them walk to a rival team.
The Warriors have just gone through this with Giannis Antetokounmpo, having spent several years hoarding picks and assets for a run at the 2x MVP, only to be out of the final conversation as he was traded to the Miami Heat last month.
Warriors expected to lose young player as a result of LeBron pursuit
Not only are Golden State missing out on other notable free agents like Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton and Rui Hachimura who they all expressed interest in, but they're also likely to lose a young player as a result of their James pursuit.
Quinten Post has received a three-year, $30 million contract from the Memphis Grizzlies as a restricted free agent, with the Warriors unlikely to match to ensure they have the flexibility to sign James to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the now unlikely event that he chooses them. Golden State have until the end of Tuesday to decide whether or not to match Post's offer sheet, and it appears unlikely that James will make a decision on his future in the meantime.
The Warriors will be vindicated for their patience if James does choose them, but this reported lack of optimism suggests they're wasting time and other opportunities on something that won't happen.
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