Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has indicated that some NBA superstars may have avoided joining the team due to concerns about how playing alongside Steph Curry could impact their own legacies. Green stated on his podcast, "The Draymond Green Show," that this was a significant factor in LeBron James' decision not to sign with the Warriors in free agency.
Green believes that James, a longtime rival of the Warriors, was hesitant to join a team already led by Curry, fearing the narrative that he needed to team up with another superstar to win. "What we ultimately always knew is that’s the hurdle to get over," Green said. "We live in a day and age where everybody who doesn’t have anything to say has something to say. So, he’s going to get crushed if he comes to the Warriors. ‘Aw man, he went to team up with Steph. Aw man, you had to go to them, dah, dah.’ And I think ultimately that weighed in on the decision a lot."
The concern echoes sentiments that may have followed Kevin Durant's move to the Warriors in 2016. Durant joined a team that had already won a championship and reached the Finals twice, subsequently winning two titles and two Finals MVP awards. However, his decision to join a team already at the top drew criticism, with some labeling him a "sellout" and questioning his ability to win independently. Durant has not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since departing Golden State in 2019.
While James has already secured four championships and is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history, the potential perception of teaming up with another all-time great like Curry, especially one who redefined the game with his shooting, appears to be a factor some stars consider. This is despite the Warriors' current position, having missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and with Curry approaching the later stages of his career. Curry, who will turn 39 in March, remains an elite player, averaging 26.6 points last season and still recognized as one of the league's best.
The Warriors face the challenge of extending Curry's championship window and ensuring his final years are competitive. However, the dynamic of playing alongside Curry, despite his individual accolades and likable persona, presents a unique situation that Green suggests may act as a deterrent for other high-profile players seeking to build their own independent legacies. This dynamic could pose an issue for the Warriors as they navigate the current offseason and plan for future acquisitions.