Warriors listed among six finalists for LeBron James

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, 22-time All-Star LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers he will not return and is now deciding between six NBA free agency finalists: the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Philadelphia 76ers. The report, dated July 4, 2026, notes that several of those teams became contenders following blockbuster offseason trades involving Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LaMelo Ball. Charania also noted that James is 'not in a rush' to make his decision.