Golden State Warriors see DeRozan as an ideal Plan B if LeBron fails

Golden State Warriors remains determined to exhaust all options to give Stephen Curry a real last chance to win another ring. The priority continues to be LeBron James, but the franchise is already working on alternative plans in case the four-time NBA champion chooses another destination. According to information released by Evan Sidery, the leading candidate to fill that role is DeMar DeRozan, recently freed from the Sacramento Kings and now seen as one of the great opportunities in the free agency market.

The operation would make sense for all parties involved. Golden State is looking to add another veteran star to compete immediately, while DeRozan has always viewed the possibility of playing on a winning project alongside Stephen Curry very favorably. This predisposition puts the Warriors in a privileged position in the race for the veteran forward, who could become the great consolation prize if LeBron ultimately decides to continue his career away from the Bay.

The Warriors' plan is crystal clear: surround Curry with legends

Golden State acknowledged a while ago a reality.

The future no longer lies in patiently developing young talents but in maximizing Stephen Curry's remaining years to the fullest. The franchise understands that they still have the greatest shooter in history performing at an extraordinary level and does not want to waste that competitive window thinking in the medium term. That's why virtually all the moves they are making this summer share a common denominator: incorporating proven players capable of delivering from day one.

LeBron James represents the primary target because he would immediately elevate the team's competitive ceiling. However, within the organization, there is also the belief that if that deal falls through, it is essential to bring in another veteran star to keep the project's aspirations intact.

This is where DeMar DeRozan comes into play.

DeRozan fits much better than it seems

Initially, some may think that the playing style of the six-time All-Star does not quite align with Steve Kerr's offensive system.

However, a deeper analysis provides a very different perspective.

DeRozan remains one of the top specialists in the entire NBA in mid-range play, a skill that is becoming less common but can perfectly complement the massive volume of threes generated by Curry. While opposing defenses collapse on the point guard, the veteran forward would have much more space to attack from his favorite zones, also reducing the offensive dependency on Curry in close games.

His ability to score without complex systems would also address one of the main issues the Warriors have faced in the last two seasons: the absence of a reliable second scorer when the ball is not in their star's hands. Even at 36 years old, DeRozan remains one of the league's most consistent one-on-one players and continues to offer top-tier offensive production.

The player also views the deal favorably

Another aspect explaining the existing optimism in Golden State relates to the player's own stance.

After a challenging period in Sacramento, where the franchise had been trying to find him an exit for months, DeRozan now prioritizes a destination that allows him to compete for significant goals again. The Warriors precisely meet those conditions.

Teaming up with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr means joining one of the most stable organizations in the entire NBA, accustomed to competing for championships and with a well-established winning culture.

Moreover, Golden State believes that the competition for his signing will be much less intense than in LeBron James' case. While the four-time MVP is pursued by half the league, DeRozan seems to have a much smaller market due to his age and concerns about his contract with some teams. This circumstance precisely gives the Warriors a highly favorable negotiating position.

Curry's last dance is starting to take shape

Beyond specific names, there is a clearly defined strategy behind all these moves.

Golden State aims to build a sort of "last dance" around Stephen Curry.

The franchise is aware that the margin to continue competing with its star player diminishes season by season and seems determined to take any necessary risks to contend for the championship once more. Draymond Green's continuity, his willingness to facilitate the arrival of new players financially, and the constant interest in top-level veterans precisely embody that philosophy.

LeBron James remains the big dream.

But DeMar DeRozan represents an excellent alternative plan.

Would it be enough to contend for the ring again?

The answer largely depends on the rest of the franchise's moves.

With just DeRozan, it probably would not suffice to turn Golden State into the top favorite in the West, especially considering the rise of teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, or Denver Nuggets. Nonetheless, it would significantly raise the competitive level of a roster that urgently needs more scoring, more offensive creation, and another player capable of assuming responsibilities when Curry is off the court.

Additionally, Steve Kerr's system has always excelled in empowering smart players with a great understanding of the game, two qualities DeRozan has abundantly demonstrated throughout his career.

It all depends on LeBron... but the Warriors already have a backup plan

Golden State will continue to await LeBron James' final decision as they understand that no other player can alter the franchise's destiny as much. However, the front office does not want to be paralyzed if the outcome is unfavorable and is already devising an equally ambitious alternative scenario.

In that context, DeMar DeRozan emerges as a very enticing market opportunity difficult to turn down. His experience, scoring ability, and desire to compete for another championship align perfectly with the phase Stephen Curry is in. It may not have the flashy impact of signing LeBron, but it precisely represents the type of addition the Warriors are seeking: a veteran star willing to make the most of the final years of an irreplaceable generation.

Because all signs point to Golden State having made a decision. If this is going to be Curry's last significant attempt to win another ring, he wants to do it surrounded by the best possible players. With LeBron if feasible. With DeRozan if the big dream slips away.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Golden State Warriors ve en DeRozan un plan B ideal si falla Lebron