Joe Lacob, owner of the Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries, is reportedly considering adding Bam Adebayo and his girlfriend A’ja Wilson to bolster his franchises. Valued at $2.3 billion by Forbes, Lacob’s ambition is to increase star power and strengthen both teams’ chances to compete for NBA and WNBA titles this offseason. The possibility of acquiring Wilson aligns closely with the upcoming WNBA free agency period where she is set to be a key target.
NBA insider Brett Siegel shared insights Tuesday regarding Lacob’s interest in both players:
“Adebayo is a player the Warriors have been interested in over the last few years. … He still holds a strong relationship with Butler. Adebay is certainly a player the Warriors should keep in the back of their mind.” – Brett Siegel, NBA Insider
“A’ja Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, will be a key free agent for Lacob and the Valkyries, sources said. … Wilson and Adebayo have been together for years. These two becoming the faces of both Golden State franchises is certainly something to monitor.” – Brett Siegel, NBA Insider
Challenges in Acquiring Bam Adebayo from Miami Heat
Securing Bam Adebayo’s services will likely face significant obstacles. The Miami Heat recently secured Adebayo on a three-year, $161.3 million maximum contract extension starting next season. Miami has reportedly declined to discuss trade possibilities involving him, indicating their intent to retain one of their key players. Unless Adebayo himself requests a trade or expresses discontent, his departure from South Beach remains improbable.
In contrast, Lacob’s chances appear brighter to sign A’ja Wilson, who enters unrestricted free agency. The Golden State Valkyries’ current roster includes no guaranteed contracts, providing flexibility to build around Wilson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.
Assessing Warriors’ Alternative Plans and Current Roster Moves
Brett Siegel has reported that Bam Adebayo was not the Warriors’ initial priority in their offseason plans. Their primary target for a marquee acquisition has been Giannis Antetokounmpo, a pursuit ongoing since 2019. At one point, Golden State was reportedly prepared to offer four first-round picks and any player except Steph Curry to acquire Antetokounmpo.
However, the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately retained Giannis, forcing the Warriors to consider alternative options. Their secondary strategy involved pursuing Jaren Jackson Jr., but his value was deemed too high amid injury concerns and interest from rival teams. Consequently, Golden State turned to Kristaps Porzingis, whom Siegel describes as their Plan C. Porzingis carries an expiring $30.7 million contract, offering the Warriors salary cap flexibility for future moves.
With Giannis unavailable, Lacob might redirect efforts toward acquiring Bam Adebayo as a significant contributor, potentially pairing him with A’ja Wilson to create a powerful duo representing the Warriors’ NBA and WNBA teams.
The Impact of Bringing Adebayo and Wilson to the Bay Area
The prospect of Bam Adebayo and A’ja Wilson joining Golden State franchises holds important implications. Adebayo’s presence could reinforce the Warriors’ frontcourt depth and defensive capabilities, complementing stars like Steph Curry. Simultaneously, Wilson’s arrival would elevate the Valkyries’ competitiveness in the WNBA, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Both players’ relationship adds an intriguing dimension, as their combined influence could symbolize a unified front for Golden State’s basketball culture across genders. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if this pairing becomes a reality as free agency unfolds.
A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo going to Golden State is something to monitor, per @BrettSiegelNBA
The Golden State Valkyries plan to pursue A’ja Wilson in free agency, and the Golden State Warriors have interest in Bam Adebayo.
“Adebayo is a player the Warriors have been… pic.twitter.com/R3COWb6gSH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 10, 2026
