Draymond Green has expressed that LeBron James should have joined the Golden State Warriors during this summer’s free agency period. After leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, James became a free agent for the first time in eight years.
The 41-year-old superstar evaluated options including the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Warriors, ultimately choosing to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. He will now team up with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia for at least the upcoming season.
While fans are eager to see the 76ers’ talented lineup in action, Green revealed that he personally encouraged James to come to Golden State. He shared the conversation he had with LeBron and explained the main reason James declined the Warriors’ offer.
Draymond Green details why LeBron James should have joined the Warriors
Draymond Green told Marc Spears that he actively tried to persuade LeBron James to finish his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. His pitch included the opportunity to play alongside Stephen Curry, business prospects, and even enjoying golf in the Bay Area.
“I told him everything amazing about it,” Green said in an Andscape interview. “Imagine LeBron linking up with Steph — two of the greatest players of our era — and standing together against the young rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Their era is ending; how cool would it have been to say, ‘We still got this, move over’? That would’ve been incredible.
“People mainly focus on the basketball side, but what’s often overlooked is having teammates you genuinely connect with, especially as you get older in the league. Having like-minded teammates who share your lifestyle and who you enjoy spending time with off the court is crucial. This team would’ve been something special. Stephen and LeBron together? Amazing.
“Plus, LeBron’s getting into golf more, and there’s no better place for that than San Francisco. From a business angle, Silicon Valley offers opportunities he hasn’t yet explored. And I’m confident this would’ve been the best organization he’s ever played for.”
Green then revealed that the reason James ultimately turned down the Warriors boiled down to concerns about his image. Since LeBron had faced Golden State in four NBA Finals, joining them could have sparked intense criticism and possibly harmed how fans view him.
“He just couldn’t get past the history — all the battles with those guys. He worried about the backlash he’d receive for switching sides and what that would mean for his legacy. That’s why the decision took so long. I know Golden State was the right choice, but he just couldn’t commit to it,” Green said.
If James had joined, the Warriors could have boasted a lineup including Curry, James, Green, and Jimmy Butler, creating a daunting championship team. Now, Golden State must navigate the season without him, relying heavily on its existing core to remain competitive.
Fan Take: This revelation highlights one of the most fascinating “what if” scenarios in recent NBA history, underscoring how legacy concerns can influence player decisions. For basketball fans, seeing how LeBron’s choice shapes the league’s balance of power adds an intriguing storyline to the upcoming season and the sport’s evolving landscape.
Source: nbaanalysis.net
