​HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) GettyDraymond Green #23 (R) of the Golden State Warriors GettyStephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors GettyThe Golden State Warriors are among the final five teams with regards to LeBron James‘ free agency, but members of the organization don’t believe now, and have never truly felt, that the franchise is the favorite to secure the four-time MVP.Anthony Slater of ESPN reported as much on the Wednesday, July 23 edition of “NBA Today.” He added that if the Warriors are unable to secure James’ services for the 2026-27 season, the team is likely to pivot toward a significant one-year contract for current free agent and four-time Dubs champion Draymond Green.“Part of him opting out and giving this $27.6 million player option back was to create the financial flexibility. If LeBron came, maybe [Green] would get a two- or three-year deal with a little bit more security,” Slater said. “But let’s say LeBron doesn’t come, they could just give Draymond Green back basically a one-year, $27 million offer. And basically he’d be back on the player option.”“That keeps the Warriors’ longtime financial flexibility and gives Draymond Green the payday he wants,” Slater continued. “The organization and Draymond Green still want to be together, you know, really for the entirety of his career.”Draymond Green Could See Cash Windfall if LeBron James Plays Somewhere Other Than Golden StateGettyDraymond Green, formerly of the Golden State Warriors.Some of the hype around James potentially landing in Golden State is what it might mean with regards to a possible trade with the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis. The idea after that would involve bringing Green back on the multiyear contract for less money annually, which Slater mentioned, and moving forward with the oldest superteam in NBA history.However, Slater said that Golden State is going to continue operating carefully with its draft picks, as the organization is already thinking strongly about the post-Steph Curry era.“It’s not really all about the next couple years,” Slater continued. “Think about the way they have kept their books extremely clean. Beyond this season, they only have $34.9 million committed. They have a lot of … optionality, flexibility. They can go after future stars. They’ve kept their draft picks.”Warriors Focused on Post-Steph Curry Era, Regardless of LeBron James’ DecisionGettySteph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.Curry turns 39 years old near the end of the upcoming season and remains under contract through 2026-27 at a figure just