{"id":1996,"date":"2026-07-09T00:12:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T19:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=1996"},"modified":"2026-07-09T00:12:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T19:12:20","slug":"if-warriors-lebron-james-recruitment-fails-is-there-a-viable-plan-b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=1996","title":{"rendered":"If Warriors\u2019 LeBron James recruitment fails, is there a viable Plan B?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"\">\n<section class=\"rel pb32 -mx20 sm:-mx40 lg:-mx56 x100vw sm:cw-80 lg:cw-112\" aria-label=\"Carousel Gallery\">\n<div class=\"rel x100\">\n<figure role=\"group\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-label=\"Frame 1 of 2\" class=\"rel m0 fdc top tdl300 td300 ttfeio rel o100 vv f x100\">\n<div class=\"rel x100 ar3-2 block\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1060px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/960x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1048px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/640x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/1080x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 784px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/960x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/720x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/960x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/768x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 640px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/720x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/640x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 360px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/480x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 240px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/360x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(max-width: 239px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/240x0.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy during a news conference at Chase Center on May 15.\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/80x0.jpg 80w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/160x0.jpg 160w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/240x0.jpg 240w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/360x0.jpg 360w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/480x0.jpg 480w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/640x0.jpg 640w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/720x0.jpg 720w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/960x0.jpg 960w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/1080x0.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/1440x0.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/1920x0.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1200px) 1440px, 100vw\" src=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption id=\"mediaCaptionAria\" class=\"f fdc g2 rel px20 sm:px0 td300 ttfeio tdl300 o100 rel\"><span class=\"photoCaption c-gray700 block oy-hidden mh46px\"><\/p>\n<div data-server-side-rendered=\"true\" class=\"r12zgbl0 ruduv2y\">\n<p>Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy during a news conference at Chase Center on May 15.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"photoCredit c-gray600 block rel z1 mt2 p4ywqby mnh24px\"><span>Yalonda M. James\/S.F. Chronicle<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure role=\"group\" aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-label=\"Frame 2 of 2\" class=\"rel m0 fdc top tdl300 td300 ttfeio abs o0 vh f x100\">\n<div class=\"rel x100 ar3-2 block\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1060px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/960x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1048px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/640x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/1080x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 784px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/960x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/720x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/960x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/768x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 640px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/720x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/640x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 360px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/480x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 240px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/360x0.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(max-width: 239px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/240x0.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan stands on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, March 24, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/80x0.jpg 80w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/160x0.jpg 160w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/240x0.jpg 240w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/360x0.jpg 360w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/480x0.jpg 480w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/640x0.jpg 640w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/720x0.jpg 720w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/960x0.jpg 960w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/1080x0.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/1440x0.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137539\/3\/1920x0.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1200px) 1440px, 100vw\" src=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption id=\"mediaCaptionAria\" class=\"f fdc g2 rel px20 sm:px0 td300 ttfeio tdl300 o0 rel\"><span class=\"photoCaption c-gray700 block oy-hidden mh46px\"><\/p>\n<div data-server-side-rendered=\"true\" class=\"r12zgbl0 ruduv2y\">\n<p>Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan stands on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, March 24, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"photoCredit c-gray600 block rel z1 mt2 p4ywqby mnh24px\"><span>Nell Redmond\/AP<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Anfernee Simons sparked interest from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Golden State Warriors,<\/a> but he reportedly landed a bigger offer from Philadelphia and signed with the Sixers. The Warriors also pursued Rui Hachimura, but he apparently wanted to stay in Los Angeles and joined the Clippers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>That brings the count to 0-and-2. So if <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/article\/warriors-seem-unlikely-add-lebron-james-next-22332072.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">LeBron James takes his talents elsewhere<\/a>, as is widely expected, does that qualify as a free-agent strikeout for Golden State?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Maybe not officially, but it\u2019s getting close.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pt16 sy16 bb bt b-gray300 mb32\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>There\u2019s still time and other options for the Warriors. If James returns to Cleveland or Miami \u2014 or follows Jaylen Brown to Philly \u2014 Golden State could make a run at DeMar DeRozan, waived Monday by Sacramento. He would be cost-efficient and provide scoring punch on the wing, where the Warriors are thin with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/jimmy-butler\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Jimmy Butler<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/moses-moody\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Moses Moody<\/a> recovering from major knee injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>DeRozan turns 37 next month, but here are some other numbers worth considering: 76, 74, 79, 77 and 77. Those are his games-played totals over the past five seasons, highlighting his durability \u2014 a quality the Warriors desperately need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block-type=\"inlinerecirculation\" class=\"pb32\">\n<div class=\"f fdc sy0\"><span\/><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"fdc jcb\">\n<article class=\"grid col1-min\">\n<div class=\"block col2 row1 x90px xs:x120px sm:x180px lg:x88px ml8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/article\/golden-state-warriors-youngsters-yaxel-lendeborg-22335033.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rel x100 block\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1048px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/41\/31135840\/3\/ratio3x2_80.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(max-width: 1047px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/41\/31135840\/3\/ratio3x2_160.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, right, celebrates after a victory over the Spurs in a California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on Sunday.\u00a0\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/41\/31135840\/3\/ratio3x2_80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/41\/31135840\/3\/ratio3x2_160.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"160px\" src=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fdc jcb\">\n<article class=\"grid col1-min\">\n<div class=\"block col2 row1 x90px xs:x120px sm:x180px lg:x88px ml8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/article\/warriors-seem-unlikely-add-lebron-james-next-22332072.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rel x100 block\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1048px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/26\/00\/23\/22545649\/4\/ratio3x2_80.webp\"\/><source type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"(max-width: 1047px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/26\/00\/23\/22545649\/4\/ratio3x2_160.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"LeBron James, center, celebrates with Cavaliers teammates after Cleveland beat the Warriors in Game 7 of 2016 NBA Finals in Oakland. The free agent star is being courted by teams around the NBA, but he could be leaning toward Cleveland.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/26\/00\/23\/22545649\/4\/ratio3x2_80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/26\/00\/23\/22545649\/4\/ratio3x2_160.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"160px\" src=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>As it stands, Golden State\u2019s roster could look much like it did last season\u00a0\u2014 accomplished, old and fragile. The Warriors brought back some of their own free agents: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/kristaps-porzingis\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/al-horford\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Al Horford<\/a> are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/article\/warriors-kristaps-porzingis-agrees-two-year-22326031.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">officially in the fold for next season,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/deanthony-melton\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">De\u2019Anthony Melton<\/a> agreed to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/article\/warriors-retain-melton-move-keeps-door-open-22328739.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">two-year, $11 million contract<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/draymond-green\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Draymond Green<\/a> almost certainly will return.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"mb32\">\n<div class=\"x100 bg-white f fdc aic mxa p20 deep br4\">\n<div class=\"f fdc aic mb10\">\n<div class=\"f aic jcc\">\n<div class=\"f aic\">\n<p xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" viewbox=\"0 0 101 100\" fill=\"none\" class=\"y100 bubi3gv\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"San Francisco Chronicle Logo\"><default:desc>San Francisco Chronicle Logo<\/default:desc><default:use href=\"#logosource-sfchronicle-badge\"\/><\/default:svg><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"p0\"><path d=\"M23.7449 12.27C23.7449 11.48 23.6749 10.73 23.5549 10H12.2549V14.51H18.7249C18.4349 15.99 17.5849 17.24 16.3249 18.09V21.09H20.1849C22.4449 19 23.7449 15.92 23.7449 12.27Z\" fill=\"#4285F4\"\/><path d=\"M12.2549 24C15.4949 24 18.2049 22.92 20.1849 21.09L16.3249 18.09C15.2449 18.81 13.8749 19.25 12.2549 19.25C9.12492 19.25 6.47492 17.14 5.52492 14.29H1.54492V17.38C3.51492 21.3 7.56492 24 12.2549 24Z\" fill=\"#34A853\"\/><path d=\"M5.52488 14.29C5.27488 13.57 5.14488 12.8 5.14488 12C5.14488 11.2 5.28488 10.43 5.52488 9.71V6.62H1.54488C0.724882 8.24 0.254883 10.06 0.254883 12C0.254883 13.94 0.724882 15.76 1.54488 17.38L5.52488 14.29Z\" fill=\"#FBBC05\"\/><path d=\"M12.2549 4.75C14.0249 4.75 15.6049 5.36 16.8549 6.55L20.2749 3.13C18.2049 1.19 15.4949 0 12.2549 0C7.56492 0 3.51492 2.7 1.54492 6.62L5.52492 9.71C6.47492 6.86 9.12492 4.75 12.2549 4.75Z\" fill=\"#EA4335\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Make us a Preferred Source to get more of our news when you search.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=sfchronicle.com\" data-link=\"native\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Add Preferred Source\" class=\"td300 cp f aic jcc disabled:cd wsn px24 y40px px16 py8 buttonSm fs13 xs:fs16 xs:buttonLg bg-primaryAccessible hover:o80 c-white disabled:bg-gray300 disabled:c-gray600 border bn tac br2\"><\/p>\n<p>Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>That\u2019s a successful retention effort, but running it back with mostly the same crew\u00a0\u2014 and Butler and Moody likely sidelined until at least February\u00a0\u2014 will not excite fans after last season\u2019s dispiriting 37-45 finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pt16 sy16 bb bt b-gray300 mb32\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Here\u2019s what the depth chart looks like at the moment, assuming Melton and Green come back (and also assuming the Warriors do not match Memphis\u2019 offer sheet to reserve center Quinten Post):<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Point guard: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/stephen-curry\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Stephen Curry<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Shooting guard: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/brandin-podziemski\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Brandin Podziemski,<\/a> Melton, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/will-richard\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Will Richard,<\/a> Moody (injured)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Small forward: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/gui-santos\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Gui Santos,<\/a> Yaxel Lendeborg, Butler (injured)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pt16 sy16 bb bt b-gray300 mb32\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Center: Porzingis, Horford<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>That leaves four openings on the 15-man roster, plus three spots for players on two-way contracts. LJ Cryer (a potentially solid backup point guard) and Malevy Leons, who both were on two-way deals last season, are playing on Golden State\u2019s summer-league team.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Let\u2019s add context here for Warriors fans demanding owner Joe Lacob and general manager <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/mike-dunleavy\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">Mike Dunleavy<\/a> make a splashy move. This roster needs significant upgrades, absolutely, but Lacob and Dunleavy took their big swing in February 2025 by trading for Butler\u00a0\u2014 and it initially worked, igniting a 23-8 stretch run and first-round playoff series win over Houston.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>This summer\u2019s predicament traces directly to Jan. 19, the night Butler landed awkwardly and tore his right ACL. In that moment, everything changed for the Warriors.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Now they\u2019re absorbing a nearly $57 million salary cap hit for a player expected to miss at least half of next season. And nobody knows how effective Butler will be when he returns, given his age (37 in September) while rehabilitating from a devastating injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pt16 sy16 bb bt b-gray300 mb32\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>So where does this leave Golden State\u2019s projected lineup to start the season? Barring a stunning decision by James (or luring DeRozan), the Warriors need Curry and Porzingis to stay healthy and Lendeborg to make an immediate impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>It\u2019s hard to gauge the starting group with Curry and Porzingis, because they played in only three regular-season games together last season given injuries (and went 0-3). They were sensational in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/article\/warriors-steph-curry-jives-kristaps-porzingis-22210276.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">play-in bracket win over the Clippers<\/a>, but Curry is 38 and Porzingis has a well-documented history of missing time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Also worth remembering: The Warriors tend to sputter when Curry is sidelined. They went 24-19 with him last season and 13-26 without him.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Podziemski and Santos made huge strides last season, but they would be better as the first two players off the bench. Green remains an elite defender, but he struggled offensively last season and has much less impact when Curry is out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>This all helps explain why the Warriors became fixated on chasing James. Still, at some point they need to enact Plan B\u00a0\u2014 and backup targets such as Simons (age 27 and a big-time athlete) and Hachimura (age 28 and a superb long-range shooter) now are off the board.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pt16 sy16 bb bt b-gray300 mb32\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>Lendeborg offers hope, especially after his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfchronicle.com\/sports\/warriors\/article\/golden-state-warriors-rookie-yaxel-lendeborg-22330788.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\">impressive start to summer league.<\/a> He looks like exactly the kind of young, big, polished, multi-skilled player the Warriors need to pump fresh life into their operation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"r1udwkp5 d1uy5mhj articleBody mb32\" data-block-type=\"text\" data-dropcap=\"false\">\n<p>It also seems like a lot to ask of one rookie.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy during a news conference at Chase Center on May 15. Yalonda M. James\/S.F. Chronicle Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan stands on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Nell Redmond\/AP Anfernee Simons sparked&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1997,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/61\/74\/31137591\/3\/rawImage.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1996","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-trending-viral-news"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1996","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1996"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1996\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1997"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1996"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1996"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1996"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}