Draymond Green Explains Why He Thinks LeBron James Snubbed Warriors in NBA Free Agency

Before LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers this past weekend, the Golden State Warriors were among the final teams he considered.

Longtime Warriors forward Draymond Green, who is currently a free agent, said on Tuesday's episode of The Draymond Green Show that he feels James snubbed the Warriors because of their historic rivalry from years past.

"You look at Golden State, and I ultimately don't think Bron was ever able to get over the history, and I understand it, I get it. What we all ultimately always knew was like, that's the hurdle to get over," Green said. "... He's gonna get crushed if he comes to the Warriors, 'Ahh man, you went to team up with Steph, you had to go to them,' and ultimately I think that weighed in on the decision a lot. That played a big role in the Warriors not landing LeBron."

During his second tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James faced the Warriors in the NBA Finals in four straight seasons, losing three of the matchups. He was able to lead the Cavs to their lone NBA championship in 2016, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in a historic comeback against a Golden State team that went 73-9 in the regular season.

While many had fantasized about a potential pairing between James and star point guard Stephen Curry, the Warriors will now have to pivot to another strategy for improving their roster ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Meanwhile, James and the Sixers are among the favorites to win the NBA championship as the 41-year-old nears the end of this legendary career.