With Klay Thompson out, the Golden State Warriors could face significant challenges in staying in the running without another star player. As Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and other emerging NBA talents continue to carry the team, the Warriors could be hoping for a miracle addition to bolster their roster.
Rumors have surfaced suggesting that LeBron James could be that miracle. Sporting News reporter Stephen Noh speculated about a possible pairing between two of the NBA’s biggest stars, Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
With Curry and James set to play as teammates on the U.S. national team during the Summer Olympics in Paris, what if they extended that partnership through next year’s NBA season with the Golden State Warriors?
In theory, it is possible. In practice, it is improbable.
James just finished his sixth season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where they lost a five-game series in the first round of the playoffs to the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets. With a $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, James could become a free agent this summer if he chooses to decline it.
NBA TRADE NEWS AND RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: the latest news
Even at 39, James remains one of the best players in the NBA, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists in his 21st season while shooting 54 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range.
Asked after the Lakers’ playoff exit if this might have been his last game for the team, James was cryptic, telling reporters, “I’m not going to answer that question,” before leaving the podium.
The Lakers are reportedly keen to retain James, but the Warriors, facing salary cap constraints, would have a hard time signing him outright. A sign-and-trade deal, necessary to absorb such a huge contract, would be complicated and could hurt the Warriors.
Challenges to closing the deal
This type of deal might have been easier to pull off in February, when Warriors owner Joe Lacob reportedly expressed interest in James. At the time, a deal wouldn’t have required a sign-and-trade, and Klay Thompson’s expiring contract could have made the move easier.
According to ESPN, Lacob had reached out to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss to inquire about James’ availability, but she referred him to James’ agent, Rich Paul, who made it clear that James was not interested in a trade at that time.
For James to wear the Warriors jersey, there would have to be mutual interest and the Lakers would have to be willing to part ways with their star. Such a trade would likely cost the Warriors some of their best young players, which would have a significant impact on how they could build their team going forward.
NBA TRADE NEWS AND RUMORS: News on LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Stephen Curry and Golden State Warriors
For all his enduring greatness, James will be 40 when the playoffs roll around, while Curry will be 37 and Draymond Green will be 35. Adding James could make the Warriors more talented in the short term, but it would also make them older and heavier, raising questions about their long-term viability.
James himself added to the speculation by addressing his future on social media, saying: “I have seen and heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I will say it again. I don’t know yet as I am just thinking about spending time with my family and friends! When I know after speaking with family, my lawyer and my representation about this then you will know.”
NBA TRADE NEWS AND RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: the latest news
Whether or not this blockbuster trade comes to fruition, the prospect of James teaming up with Curry in Golden State remains an intriguing possibility.
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