Report: LeBron open to meeting Warriors in free agency

Though it would be a long shot, LeBron James joining the Golden State Warriors this offseason appears to at least be a possibility.

James, expected to turn down his $35.6 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent, would be willing to meet with the Warriors if they can clear space to offer him a max contract, according to a report from ESPN on Thursday morning.

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The report states there is no indication that the Warriors plan to implement such a strategy at this time.

James and his business team are said to covet structure, which is why the consistency the Warriors have built in recent years would appear to be of interest to the 33-year-old star, who is averaging 26.6 points, 8.7 assists and 7.9 rebounds this season.

Complicating such a scenario is the Warriors' league-high payroll, which is around $135 million. Possible ways for the team to free up space include getting Kevin Durant to take another pay cut or constructing a sign-and-trade proposal that would likely have to include Klay Thompson.

After this season, Thompson will have one year left on his current extension and will likely be seeking a max deal of his own once it expires.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry's contract is set to start paying him north of $40 million annually from the 2019-20 season through 2021-22.

--Field Level Media