LeBron James to Warriors? ESPN Insider Explores Rumors, as Mike Dunleavy Faces $500K Headache
via Imago
Are we about to witness the biggest union of superstars? The Golden State Warriors are looking to deploy a star next to Stephen Curry ahead of the trade deadline, per Shams Charania. And there’s no conversation without LeBron James when it’s about Steph & Co. However, a senior hoop analyst listed the reasons why the Lakers’ superstar can’t head to the Bay Area amid a real chance with an Eastern Conference veteran.
The Dubs have every right to be ambitious about winning the chip, especially after their commanding start to the season, a 12-3 run. Now that the injuries have played spoilsport with De’Anthony Melton having a season-ending injury, the Dubs look to renew their vigor. NBA insider Charania said, “I’m told that the Warriors are on the real hunt for a star, a playmaker, a scorer alongside Stephen Curry.”
We are aware of the frenzy that the Dubs managed to create during last season’s trade deadline, teasing the Dub nations with a LeBron James trade. While it didn’t materialize that time, let’s see what Charania’s ESPN colleague Brian Windhorst has to say. First of all, he agreed that there’s been a conversation surrounding LBJ and Dubs. But he also added, “Any trade that the Warriors make is going to be complicated,” citing that the Warriors are only $534k below the hard cap. It doesn’t allow Mike Dunleavy, the Dubs GM, to spend more than $500k while they are one man short in a 15-man roster. Consider it two with Melton out on injury.
"Any trade that the Warriors make is going to be complicated." 😳 @WindhorstESPN on how aggressive the Warriors should be to improve their roster around Steph Curry 👀 pic.twitter.com/O2pH7dEI6k
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 7, 2024
“Any trade that the Warriors make is going to be complicated.” 😳 @WindhorstESPN on how aggressive the Warriors should be to improve their roster around Steph Curry 👀 pic.twitter.com/O2pH7dEI6k
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 7, 2024
While it’s already impossible for the Dubs to accommodate James, Windhorst also added how it’s difficult for the Lakers to make it possible as well. Before we look into this, let’s find out whether Bron wishes for this trade. Well, the answer is, no. Citing the two instances where the Warriors approached the superstar twice, and he declined both times, the ESPN analyst said, “I would just say twice in the last 10 months, LeBron has had an opportunity to leave the Lakers… but LeBron has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to be a Laker. There’s a no-trade clause, there’s nothing really to talk about.” That’s really the end of the story.
Before we look into other star options for the Warriors to pair up with Stephen Curry, let’s look at the Lakers’ situation. Brian Windhorst added, “Lakers are not allowed to take any money because they are in the first apron.” To ensure fair competition, the league has laid a rule for the franchises to exchange players of the same value if they have hit the first apron. On the other hand, he also said, “LeBron has a no-trade clause, also also the Lakers don’t own their first-round pick.” The team has an unprotected first-round pick.
via Imago
That’s it. That’s the end of the story. With this, LBJ is completely out of the picture for the Dub Nation. However, in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat has a player who will hit free agency in a few months. It’s none other than Jimmy Butler. The star can handle the ball and also provide offensive strength to the team.
Nevertheless, the important question is, who will the Dubs trade out to receive the golden egg from the Florida team? With Andrew Wiggins leading the offense after Steph, the star forward does seem like an ideal option. But will Steve Kerr let his trusted forward slip away? Let us know in the comments below.
