The State of the Warriors Before LeBron James

Warriors fans are furious about this offseason — but are they mad at the right thing? In this segment, the hosts break down why Golden State's quiet summer wasn't really about front office mistakes, and why one injury back in the playoffs may have decided the franchise's fate before free agency even started. The conversation digs into the real math behind the Warriors' limited options: two max contracts on players in their late 30s, a shredded cap sheet, and a roster that was never walking away with a superstar no matter who ran the front office. The hosts push back on fans pointing to missed names like Josh Giddey or Collin Sexton, arguing those moves were never going to be the difference-makers people think they are — and that the real swing factor this summer is a 41-year-old free agent who may or may not even pick the Bay. They also grade the moves Golden State did make — the Melton re-signing, the Horford gamble, and the Porzingis contract structure — and lay out exactly what it would have taken in draft capital to actually land a star like Jaylen Brown in a trade. Topics discussed include: Why Jimmy Butler's injury reshaped the Warriors' entire offseason The cap reality behind Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler's contracts Grading the Melton, Horford, and Porzingis moves What it would really cost to trade for a star like Jaylen Brown Why everything is on hold waiting for LeBron James' decision Do you agree with this take, or do you think the Warriors front office deserves more of the blame? Let us know in the comments. 0:00 – The Reality Check Warriors Fans Need 1:46 – How Jimmy Butler's Injury Changed the Offseason 4:52 – Everything Is On Hold for LeBron 9:09 – Grading Melton, Horford & Porzingis Moves 11:09 – Steph, Draymond & the Salary Cap Problem Download the Audacy app to never miss any of your favorite 957 The Game content: https://go.audacy.com/y-listen-live-9... Listen live: https://www.audacy.com/957thegame/listen Visit our website: https://www.957thegame.com Subscribe on Twitch:   / 957thegame   Follow us on Twitter:   / 957thegame   Like us on Facebook:   / 957thegame   Follow us on Instagram:   / 957thegame   Join our Newsletter: https://www.audacy.com/957thegame/joi...