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Stephen Curry passes the ball during an April 9 game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
A potential collaboration between Stephen Curry And LeBron James is a rumor that has been going around for years. But for this to happen on the The Los Angeles Lakers A third team would be needed, ready to help facilitate the realization of the blockbuster.
Inviting the The New York Knicks As part of this deal – in need of a starting center – it’s a way to reunite two of the greatest NBA players to ever play.
Lakers host: Curry, Moses Moody
The Knicks receive: Anthony Davis
Golden State Warriors receive: Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, D’Angelo Russell
The trade would require first-round compensation from the Knicks and Lakers. But in a trade involving Curry and Davis, it would be a top pick for the Warriors.
The deal helps New York solidify its center rotation, while serving as a conclusion to the Randle era in the Big Apple.
Golden State reluctantly leaves the Curry era behind, but in the process adds a potential All-NBA forward who could bring even more upside when he returns from season-ending shoulder surgery.
And the Lakers are taking one last shot at the title with James, who is entering the twilight of his career. It’s a blockbuster of the highest order, but if Curry wants to play alongside James in a non-Olympic setting, it would secure his title.
Why would the Warriors trade Stephen Curry?
X, formerly known as Twitter, is in uproar after Curry removed the phrase “Guard for the @Warriors” from his Instagram bio.
This does not mean that a trade is imminent. This has almost never happened in the history of professional athletes and their social media activity.
But you also have to factor in Golden State’s failed attempt to land James. They made an approach to the Lakers at last season’s trade deadline and, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, they had Curry’s blessing.
“Curry had approved of the idea, which reflects a comfort level between the two even before they worked so well together en route to Olympic gold,” Hollinger reported on August 13.
After losing Klay Thompson In free agency, the Warriors failed in two trades: one for Lauri Markkanenand the other for Paul Georgewho chose to join the The Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
Golden State appears to be in a holding pattern two months before the 2024-25 season. And their franchise player, Curry, doesn’t have a recognizable partner.
The 36-year-old star is also eligible for an extension. However, according to Anthony Slater, no deal is imminent for Curry.
“He [Curry] I came back from Paris a few days ago and I intend to disconnect from basketball-related matters for a few weeks,” Slater reported on August 15“Therefore, no contract discussions are expected to take place in the near future,” league sources said.
Curry can add one year and $62.6 million to his current contract, which runs through the 2025-26 season.
But if he gets more invested in the idea of playing with James, or if next season gets off to a slow start, things could get out of hand in the Bay Area. Stranger things have happened in the NBA’s player-empowerment era.
Why would the Lakers part ways with Anthony Davis?
Los Angeles parting ways with Davis is a much easier concept to understand. As good as he was, his value may never be as high as it is after his 2023-24 season.
In addition to his 76 regular-season appearances — his most since 2017-18 — Davis averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game last year.
The nine-time All-Star represents the Lakers’ best trade value outside of LeBron himself. And his duo with James won their only title four years ago.
Since reaching the 2020 NBA Finals, Los Angeles has an average record of 165-153 in the regular season and 9-14 in the playoffs.
The Lakers have failed to recreate a championship roster around Davis and James. If they don’t think that’s going to change this season, they’re better off selling Davis at a high price.
If a deal for Curry were to come about, Los Angeles would have to consider parting ways with Davis to make it happen. alchemy on the field he appeared with James at the Paris Olympics, few hypothetical associations are more expected.
Collin Loring covers the NBA, WNBA, and MLB for Heavy.com, where he has been a contributor since 2021. His sports coverage has also been featured on FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Strickland. Learn more about Collin Loring
