Golden State's pull for LeBron: the Curry lure

As NBA free agency opens, the Golden State Warriors have moved on one of the league's most talked-about targets: LeBron James. According to what has been reported, the Warriors are trying to add the 41-year-old star in free agency.

The development that opened the door came from Draymond Green. Green declining his $27.7 million player option gave Golden State extra financial flexibility. That puts the club in a position to offer James the $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Although that figure is well below the star's market value, it is said that the Warriors' strongest card is not money but the project.

The picture Golden State offers is clear: play on the same team as Stephen Curry, chase one more title under Steve Kerr, and be part of a roster of legends. Another leg of the plan was to acquire Anthony Davis via trade to persuade James. But that trade looks difficult as of today; Washington is said not to be keen, and the Warriors do not want to part with Jimmy Butler.

An important caveat is also needed: there is no agreement between the parties yet, and there is no information that the process is at a stage close to official. LeBron James's camp is assessing his options as of today; it had been reported that the star has not even held a meeting with his own team, the Lakers. That Green, James and Davis share the same agent is one of the intriguing aspects of the picture. In short, Golden State's interest is real and serious; but this is not a done transfer, rather an ongoing pursuit. LeBron James's final decision will remain one of the NBA's most closely followed storylines this summer.

Source: Windhorst
Image: Yahoo Sports