The Golden State Warriors spent the summer chasing star power, yet somehow ended up handing Stephen Curry a supporting cast that looks more suited for a lottery run than a title push, and insiders are now pointing to exactly where that plan fell apart.

According to Shams Charania of NBA insider, the reason for the failure of the Golden State Warriors in acquiring the services of the forward Jaylen Brown, who now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, was addressed on The Stephen A. Smith Show on July 27.

"The Warriors could've got in the Jaylen Brown sweepstakes if they wanted to give up four first-round picks-ish," Charania said.

Charania made clear this was framed as a missed trade opportunity, not a case of the Warriors lacking a shot at Brown.

Golden State and the Boston Celtics discussed a package built around several first-rounders, swaps, and seconds near the trade deadline, and the front office decided that price was too steep to meet, even with Brown averaging 28.7 points and 6.9 rebounds last season as arguably the best player available on the market.

The same was true when it came to chasing after James down the road, Charania said.

"If the Warriors had gone out and been willing to give up several draft capital to go get an Anthony Davis, does LeBron James follow suit?" Charania further explained.

This is closely related to what happened when Golden State tried to land LeBron James recently, but James decided to play for Philadelphia instead of Golden State.

While Philadelphia did things the complete opposite, getting both Brown and James on board at the veteran minimum.

James averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists last season, and that makes him an instant impact for the Sixers, who were once seen by the Warriors as potential partners.

The calmness from Curry is possibly the strongest indication yet that the Warriors have messed up their off-season.

Steph Curry reacts to LeBron James’ move

Stephen Curry finally addressed LeBron James opting out of playing for the Warriors in an interview with Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic at the Moses Moody golf camp this Saturday. He appeared to be rather calmer and more resigned than frustrated.

James signed a two-year $8 million contract with Philadelphia on July 24, 2026, along with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Brown to make their team the one to beat in the East right now.

"That's why you don't envision anything until it happens," said Curry.

"There's a lot of moving parts," he explained, suggesting that Golden State's uncertain future with Moody and Butler out may have weighed heavily on James' decision more than anything else the front office could offer.

Both will be out for an extended period, thus reducing the number of proven players around a 38-year-old Curry for the Warriors. So far, the only new face to arrive is the 2026 draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg.

The management is counting on the healthy return of Butler and Moody to keep the Warriors in playoff position.

Comments below regarding whether Curry regretted being patient and watching Brown and James go elsewhere.

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Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta