​Stephen Curry has weighed in on the NBA’s biggest free-agency saga, and his remarks, delivered with his signature humor, signaling a willingness to team up with LeBron James if the opportunity arises. The Golden State Warriors guard kicked things off with a lighthearted aside, then pivoted to a candid public stance about the possibility of playing alongside the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Speaking on Wednesday at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Curry joked that his immediate focus is not on basketball but on LeBron James’ golf game. He quipped, “I’d say more so I’m interested in just playing golf with LeBron. We’ll handle the basketball stuff, but I want to see the golf. LeBron free agent, he’s out here really grinding on the game.” The humor gave way to a more serious note as Curry added a moment Warriors fans have eagerly awaited: a clear expression of interest in potentially sharing the court with James. “But I’m sure we obviously would love to play together,” Curry said. “I mean, hopefully it happens. But he’s deserved the opportunity and the right to take his time with the decision.”
Curry’s remarks mark his first public comment since James emerged as one of the NBA’s premier free agents this offseason. They also come as Golden State positions itself as one of the frontrunners to land James, a development highlighted by prominent insiders. ESPN’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer have repeatedly listed the Warriors among the limited teams genuinely in the running alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers. Adding another twist to the recruitment narrative, Shams Charania of ESPN recently reported that James has been spending time with Warriors forward Draymond Green, a longtime confidant and active recruiter who shares representation from Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, a central figure in James’ free-agency process.
Curry’s public pitch, though delivered with his characteristic wit, stands as the most explicit acknowledgment yet that the four-time MVP would welcome the chance to share the floor with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Golden State continues to tread carefully, preserving flexibility throughout the offseason while waiting for James to make his decision. Green, meanwhile, opted out of a $27.7 million player option earlier this summer but has not signed a new contract, with expectations in league circles that a new deal will likely await James’s decision. The plan appears to be that Green will finalize his next contract after James announces his, allowing the Warriors to keep as much cap flexibility as possible regardless of whether James ultimately chooses Golden State. The organization has also steered clear of locking in long-term commitments as it scouts every avenue to strengthen the roster around Curry.
Everything now hinges on the league’s biggest remaining free agent, with Curry’s focus temporarily shifting from drama-filled negotiations to the golf course as he participates in the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. This three-day event tees off a broader chapter in which Curry’s public stance could influence the ongoing free-agent saga, even as he enjoys the camaraderie and competition of one of professional golf’s most celebrated celebrity tournaments.