Warriors Keep Porzingis, Title Window Reopens

The 2026 free-agent window could reshape title races. Golden State plans to keep Kristaps Porziņģis after the February trade; "Sources say the Warriors are fully committed to getting a deal done with him quickly this summer." James Harden and Trae Young have choices that could make them top free agents, though reports say "neither Young nor James Harden are leaving their current situations." LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent and his salary wish will determine where he lands. Merlin sees a practical summer. Expect Golden State to offer Porziņģis a multiyear bridge, Harden to seek a short multi-year payday, Young to opt in and chase 2027 riches, and LeBron's answer to hinge on "Will he play for the midlevel exception? For the minimum?" The scout question will shape the market and make this offseason more chess than fireworks.