The Golden State Warriors spent the early summer dreaming of a LeBron James-Stephen Curry pairing. That dream is fading.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Get Up that Golden State’s path to James runs through Anthony Davis – a trade that has not materialized. Without Davis, the Warriors “are not really looked at right now at the top of this list,” Charania said.
Three teams have pulled ahead: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, a contender thrust into contention after landing Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster deal earlier this month.
Rich Paul on a pressure-free choice
James’ agent Rich Paul offered ESPN an inside look at how his client is processing this decision. “Every day things change,” Paul said. “This is the first time that LeBron James is making a decision pressure free. He’s won already. He’s made good on his promise – he won in L.A. This is strictly for his happiness. What does happiness entail? It’s a number of things. It’s a bucket of happiness. It’s basketball, it’s living, it’s camaraderie, it’s competition. It’s everything.”
James told the Lakers earlier this month he won’t return for a 24th season. Money, Paul confirmed, isn’t what’s driving the choice – Paul told ESPN he had spoken with 27 teams, but the realistic list is considerably shorter.
Three roads, three different pulls
Cleveland is the sentimental option. A third stint with the Cavaliers – who drafted him No. 1 overall in 2003 – would complete one of basketball’s great narrative arcs. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported the Lakers are open to a sign-and-trade built around Jarrett Allen, which could clear the financial path for a reunion.
Miami entered this summer with real momentum. Giannis Antetokounmpo, now a Heat player after his trade from Milwaukee, made a personal pitch to James. The franchise also has cap flexibility to bring him aboard without tearing up its roster.
Philadelphia is the wildcard that could prove decisive. With Jaylen Brown now alongside Joel Embiid, the 76ers can offer James credible co-stars in what may be one of his final seasons at the highest level. That combination – on paper – is difficult to argue against.
A decision coming soon
James hasn’t set a public timeline. At Fanatics Fest NYC last week, he told reporters: “I won’t hold you guys up too much longer.”
Golden State and Minnesota linger in the background. The Warriors could re-enter if a Davis trade materializes – but that window is narrowing with each day that passes.
When James makes his call, the competitive balance of one conference shifts overnight.
Bottom line: Unless Golden State lands Anthony Davis, Cleveland, Miami or Philadelphia will be signing a four-time MVP this fall.
Sources: ESPN NBA Buzz | ESPN McMenamin
[Update – July 21, 2026] ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed Tuesday that it is now “decision time” for LeBron James. All five remaining suitors, the Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers, Warriors and Timberwolves, have completed their pitches to his camp. Rich Paul told reporters all the information is in. James is willing to accept a veteran minimum contract of around $3.9 million at his next destination, per Yahoo Sports. No decision timeline has been announced. Cleveland remains the favorite in prediction markets.
