Report: Warriors Eye LeBron-Like Forward From Italy - EUROPE SAYS
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 10: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 10, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. . . .
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 10: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 10, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)TheGolden State Warriorshave been unsuccessful in adding a star over the past few months. They missed out onGiannis Antetokounmpoand Jaylen Brown in the trade market before blowing their chance to sign LeBron James in free agency. With this series of offseason failures, the Warriors find themselves in a stagnant state with no star addition to show for an aging roster led by Steph Curry. However, it may not be for long, asClutchpoints’ Brett Siegel reportedthat the Warriors could be looking to add American-ItalianPaolo Banchero, who, early in his career, was often compared to LeBron James because of their playstyles. Siegel also said that the Warriors could be considering Banchero’s teammateFranz Wagner, if theOrlando Magiccontinue to underperform next season. “The Warriors have held interest in Wagner and Banchero previously, even though Orlando was not interested in hearing offers for either young forward, and Golden State would lurk as a suitor again should the Magic underachieve in what has become a crowded Eastern Conference,” Siegel wrote. The dream was Giannis or LeBron. The reality ended up being much of the same with long-term flexibility for the Warriors. Now, the question becomes what’s next?Inside the Warriors’ immediate and long-term future, including what’s next for Steph Curry:Banchero, who stands at 6-foot-10, has also looked similar to LeBron’s build as a forward who can bulldoze his way to the paint. Warriors Focus On What They Can ControlGettyORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27:Stephen Curry#30 of the Golden State Warriors draws the foul from Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic in the second half at Kia Center on February 27, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Despite the chance to get Curry a co-star in the next few months, the Warriors are still looking at themselves and focusing on what they can control ahead of the 2026-2027NBAseason. “At this moment, the Warriors are solely focused on what they can control,” Siegel said. “Fixing on-court mistakes from a season ago and continuing to find ways to alleviate pressure on Curry are Golden State’s main goals entering the new season. ”“While adding another superstar talent or pulling off a big move would’ve stood out, it was not necessarily in the Warriors’ grand scheme of remaining competitive now and for the next decade. ”Banchero put up solid numbers during the 2025-2026 NBA regular season for the Magic, averaging 22. 2 points, 8. 4 rebounds, and 5. 2 assists across 72 games. He led the team to a first-round playoff performance, where they blew a 3-1 lead against theDetroit Pistons. Warriors’ Outlook Remains Good Despite Missing Out On StarsGettyORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 27: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket onDraymond Green#23 of the Golden State Warriors during a game at Kia Center on March 27, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)The Warriors are still in good shape to add a superstar in the next few months, according to NBA insider Marc Spears. He believed that the Warriors could make a splash before the NBA’s trade deadline in February 2027. “Think about what you have. You have an expiring contract with [Kristaps] Porzingis, right? A tradable with Porzingis. Draymond’s got a tradable contract. Jimmy has a tradable contract, and you’re going to have teams that I believe at the trade deadline might be willing to make major change,” Spears said in the Willard and Dibs show on 95. 7 The Game in The Bay Area. “I do think that Jimmy and Draymond are mature enough at this stage of their career where they’d be like, I get it,” he added. The Warriors possess several notable tradable contracts for the 2026-27 season that provide the financial matching power, such as Jimmy Butler ($56. 8 million), Draymond Green ($27. 7 million), andKristaps Porzingis($20 million). The Warriors can also aggregate contracts like Moses Moody ($12. 5 million),Al Horford($6. 8 million), and sophomore guard Brandin Podziemski ($5. 7 million) to facilitate a trade while staying safely below the strict luxury tax apron. For now, they are expected to field the same roster for next season.