The Golden State Warriors appear to be losing ground in the race to sign LeBron James, with ESPN insider Shams Charania reporting that the franchise is behind several Eastern Conference contenders as its offseason plans continue to stall.
Speaking on Thursday, Charania said there has been “no real traction” on Golden State’s trade pursuits involving Anthony Davis or any other star. As a result, he added that the Warriors currently trail the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers in the competition for James.
Golden State’s pursuit of James has been closely tied to its efforts to reunite him with Davis. According to previous reporting from Charania, the Warriors believe pairing Davis with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green would significantly strengthen their chances of convincing the four-time NBA champion to join the franchise.
That strategy has encountered a major obstacle.
According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz, the Washington Wizards have expressed no interest in trading Davis after acquiring him at the February trade deadline. While Washington would likely consider an extraordinary offer, the organization is not actively shopping the veteran center.
The Wizards acquired Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, Tyus Jones, a 2026 first-round pick via Oklahoma City, a protected 2030 first-round pick via Golden State and three second-round selections.
Washington’s leverage is considerable because of the relatively modest package it surrendered to acquire Davis. Reports have indicated the Wizards would seek Jimmy Butler along with multiple first-round picks from Golden State in any potential trade, a price that would dramatically reshape the Warriors’ roster.
Davis has not yet played for Washington following the February deal. Before the trade, he appeared in 20 games for Dallas during the 2025-26 season, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 50.6% from the field.
Over 14 NBA seasons, Davis has averaged 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks across 807 regular-season games while earning 10 All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors and five All-Defensive Team selections.
Meanwhile, James’ free agency remains one of the league’s biggest unresolved storylines. Along with Golden State, the Heat, Cavaliers, 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves have all been linked to the 41-year-old forward.
The Warriors’ challenge is that their preferred path depends on completing a blockbuster trade that currently appears unlikely. Charania’s latest update suggests rival teams have gained momentum while Golden State continues searching for a way to construct the roster it believes would appeal most to James.
The Warriors finished the 2025-26 regular season 37-45, good for 10th place in the Western Conference before missing a deep playoff run. In contrast, Miami, Cleveland and Philadelphia each reached the postseason, with the Cavaliers advancing to the Eastern Conference finals before being swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
Unless Washington softens its stance on Davis or Golden State identifies another star-level acquisition, the Warriors may have to convince James without the reunion they have viewed as central to their recruiting pitch.
