Stephen Curry confirms he tried to recruit LeBron James to Warriors

Stephen Curry wanted LeBron James to join the Warriors.

Not rumored. Not inferred. Confirmed.

Curry acknowledged during an interview with CNBC that he tried to recruit James before the four-time MVP signed with the 76ers this summer.

“If anybody didn’t try, I think they’d be a fool,” Curry said, via NBC Sports Bay Area⁠.

That explains at least part of Golden State’s offseason approach.

The Warriors pursued several major additions while attempting to maximize the remaining championship window around Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Green reportedly helped create financial flexibility by opting out of his contract, but James ultimately chose Philadelphia on a two-year, $8 million deal.

Curry and James have spent much of their careers as rivals, meeting in four consecutive NBA Finals from 2015-18. They later played together for Team USA and have spoken openly about the respect they developed for one another.

Golden State previously explored acquiring James before the 2024 trade deadline, although those conversations went nowhere.

This time, James controlled the decision as a free agent. Curry made his pitch. The Warriors created an avenue. James picked the 76ers.

Nobody should fault Curry for trying. When LeBron James is available and interested in chasing another championship, the foolish move would be deciding your team has enough stars already.