​The Golden State Warriors may already have a successor plan in the wings, even if their quest for LeBron James continues to dominate talks around the franchise. As Golden State weighs LeBron’s availability, DeMar DeRozan has emerged as a veteran fallback option worth monitoring. Insider chatter from ClutchPoints’ NBA reporter Brett Siegel indicates that the Warriors are likely to hold internal discussions about adding DeRozan after his release from the Sacramento Kings, should the LeBron pursuit not come together.
“DeRozan is kind of a 1B plan right now for teams looking at LeBron James,” Siegel explained on Clutch Scoops. “The Golden State Warriors are a team that is going to have internal conversations about pursuing DeMar DeRozan.” This line of thinking matters for a franchise intent on squeezing every last bit of value out of Stephen Curry’s prime years. LeBron James remains the dream scenario—a late-career pairing of two players who defined an era from opposite sides of the NBA Finals—but if that path proves impractical, Golden State cannot afford to leave Curry without adequate support.
The Warriors’ initial strategy has been to pair Curry with LeBron James, envisioning one of the most formidable duos in the league. Getty Images This plan sits at the heart of Golden State’s offseason calculus, but the reality is that DeRozan would not offer the same star power or primary playmaking as James. He isn’t a flawless fit for modern spacing either. Yet he would supply something the team could desperately use: reliable half-court scoring when the offense stalls.
Even at 36 years old, DeRozan remains a proven bucket-getter. He posted 18.4 points per game last season with the Kings and has long been recognized as one of the league’s most dependable mid-range threats. If the Warriors are exploring DeRozan as a fallback, it reflects a realistic acknowledgment that they need another late-clock option and a veteran presence to steady possessions when Curry’s offense is bogged down in a stagnant moment.
Additionally, DeRozan’s market could make him an attractive target. He is not expected to command a massive deal, which means other contenders might view him as a cost-efficient veteran addition. That financial flexibility could be crucial for Golden State as they wait on the LeBron situation to unfold. Siegel noted that Miami and Cleveland could also be potential destinations, with the Heat long linked to DeRozan and the Cavaliers possibly weighing him as a fallback if they miss out on James.
Other reporting has consistently tied DeRozan’s decision to LeBron’s timeline, suggesting multiple teams are waiting to see where the league’s marquee free agent lands before making their own moves. For Golden State, the logic is straightforward: LeBron would be the swing, DeRozan could be the pivot, and with Curry nearing his late 30s, the Warriors need more than just hoping for the best.
In summary, the Warriors’ Plan B—if LeBron James remains out of reach—could hinge on DeRozan’s fit, availability, and cost. The veteran guard offers a reliable scoring option and a steadying influence that could complement Curry and the team’s system, providing a practical path to stay competitive as Golden State navigates the final chapters of Curry’s remarkable run.