The Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in making a big splash.
As the new look, Klay Thompson-less Warriors continue their quest for a fifth championship ring of the Steph Curry era, there are murmurings of a trade that would rock The Association to its core.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Dubs are reportedly targeting Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Miami Heat leader Jimmy Butler to pair with Chef Curry.
“The Warriors have been really active in trying to look for a star player,” Windhorst reported during a segment on ‘Get Up’ on December 11.
“The Warriors have dreamed of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year.”
Windhorst called the prospective LeBron trade “one of the most intriguing scenarios in the league” and an “exciting situation to contemplate,” but it’s not one First Take regular Shannon Sharpe thinks will happen.
The retired NFL legend spoke about the rumours on the latest episode of his ‘Nightcap’ podcast.
Sharpe admitted that point forward LeBron would be a nice fit alongside Curry in Golden State’s system, but ultimately it wouldn’t do much for James in terms of chasing down Michael Jordan’s legacy.
“If LeBron goes somewhere, it’s [not] gonna’ change somebody’s perception of LeBron,” the three-time Super Bowl winner argued.
“If you like LeBron, you believe LeBron is the best player of all time, that’s what you’re gonna believe. If you believe Jordan is the best player of all time, no matter what LeBron does — he can get another title, he can get another MVP — it’s not gonna change anything.
“I don’t think it moves anyone’s needles. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me other than him playing meaningful basketball, because unless they make a significant trade with the Lakers, I don’t see them challenging, they’re [not] doing much in the West.”
‘Air Jordan’ and ‘King James’ are 1A and 1B when it comes to the greatest players of all time.
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However, for many, No.23 — who went 6-0 in NBA Finals while scooping up six Finals MVPs — has an unassailable lead in the GOAT discussion.
All-time leading scorer James, set to turn 40 later this month, undoubtedly has the longevity argument and many statistical records over His Airness.
But for those who lived through the dynastic Chicago Bulls of the 1990s, MJ’s peak years were simply otherworldly that no player, past or present, has ever come close to replicating.
The speculation around a potential James switch to San Francisco is a “delicious scenario”, as Windhorst puts it, but not one that’s likely to materialize.
Golden State made an inquiry about LeBron in February that got shut down by his agent Rich Paul.
James also has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning any trade would require his approval and the ultimate decision rests with him.
Then there’s the Bronny James factor. LeBron’s eldest son was drafted 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, making it even less likely for the elder James to seek a departure from LA.
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Despite the intrigue surrounding a potential move to Golden State, Windhorst emphasized that LeBron’s preference is still to remain with the Lakers.
“His focus is on the Lakers improving their roster,” Windhorst said.
“If the team can upgrade the roster and surround him with more talent, LeBron is content. But if the Lakers fall short in that regard, these trade rumors could have more traction.
Nevertheless, the idea of Curry and LeBron suiting up on the hardwood is certainly a tantalising prospect.
They’ve played on the same All-Star teams in the past, and this summer, the legendary pair teamed up to push Team USA to a gold medal during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
LeBron guided Team USA to its fifth-straight gold medal, averaging 14.2 points, a team high-tying 8.2 rebounds and team-best 10.2 assists, which were the most by an American in Olympic history.
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Curry scored 12 points in the fourth quarter during the gold-medal clincher against France, and finished with 24 points in the win.
The superstars were equally as effusive about each other after the once-in-a-lifetime experience was over.
“You just marvel at his talent,” James said. “Obviously, I’ve seen it before, you know, on the opposite side. But having him on your side, you just try to get stops and figure out other ways on the other end, but keep finding him, keep getting him the ball.”
“I’ve seen it before. In different uniforms. It’s good to be on his side.”
Meanwhile, Curry added: “The fact that we actually got to be teammates — not just in any game like an All-Star game or whatever, but in high stakes basketball with a lot on the line — I think there’s a deepened respect and friendship there.
“I think we motivated each other even more, to however much longer we have left playing.”
“Hopefully, there will be more experiences in the future, even if we’re teammates or not.”