New LeBron James Rumors Reveal Contender is 'Pessimistic' About Landing NBA Free Agent

The Golden State Warriors have been in the mix for star free agent LeBron James this offseason, but the team reportedly isn't expecting to land the four-time MVP.

ESPN's Anthony Slater said Wednesday that the Warriors are "pessimistic" about their chances of signing James.

"Really since the beginning, they've just not thought they're at the top of the list," Slater said on NBA Today. "I talked to somebody last night that said basically that they've been given no sign or hint that it's gonna happen."

Slater's report comes after James' agent, Rich Paul, addressed him potentially signing with the Warriors on his podcast. Paul admitted that James joining Golden State would make for an exciting storyline, but it ultimately isn't his decision to make.

"In the event that was to take place, the only thing missing is Michael Jackson's glove in terms of how big of a rockstar," Paul said on Game Over (h/t NBC Sports' Florito Maniego). "It's not my choice. I don't have a choice. I don't have a choice in this. Let the man have his choice."

When James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he wouldn't be returning, Golden State jumped out as a prime landing spot. He could remain close to his home base in Southern California while getting the chance to team up with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.

While it would be a team full of aging stars, it would nonetheless be a potential contender.

As for the Warriors' plans if they can't sign James, Slater said he "fully expects" the team to bring back Green, who declined his $27.6 million player option to create space for the team to sign James. Slater noted that Golden State could give Green a one-year, $27 million deal to make up for the player option while still allowing the team to have long-term flexibility.

The other teams still in the mix are reported to be the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, but it remains to be seen when James will make his decision. Paul said on his podcast earlier this week that "we're not going to be rushed" into choosing a team.

The good news for Golden State is that there still appears to be time for James to reconsider the Warriors, even if they're currently pessimistic about him signing.