The Golden State Warriors could pursue LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard this offseason after clearing salary space.

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly planning to “go hard” after either LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard this offseason, according to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard.

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“Could the Warriors’ best and brightest option this offseason really be going hard to land either Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James? I think it might be. I think all the dire circumstances and frightful indicators of this season are leading the Warriors down this do-or-die path,” Kawakami wrote.

“And I think there is a way this kind of desperate move actually could work. … Going hard after either Kawhi or LeBron is exactly what the moment is demanding of the Warriors right now. And Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy probably already put all of this and more on the whiteboard months ago.”

Before making a big acquisition, Golden State would first need to clear enough financial flexibility.

Currently in the luxury tax, the Warriors would have to offload contracts, allow some free agents to walk, and negotiate team-friendly deals with key players like Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis.

Kawhi Leonard, 34, is putting up 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season, and the Warriors might not even need to give up assets to land him.

With the ongoing Aspiration scandal and the NBA’s investigation, the Clippers could potentially lose his services, making Leonard a free agent.

Then there’s LeBron James. For the first time in his career, James is on an expiring contract. At 41, he is still averaging 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, proving he remains a valuable piece for any team.

As another option, Golden State could explore a sign-and-trade, potentially sending Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and a first-round pick to bring in either LeBron or Kawhi.

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