This year’s NBA trade deadline was quiet. It was a buyer’s market, so teams were disincentivized to sell. We saw some role players move around, but for the most part, this deadline was light on deals.
That doesn’t mean that blockbusters weren’t discussed. General managers around the league have to do their due diligence. They’re in discussions with rival GMs about a wide range of possibilities. Now, we’re starting to hear about some of those possibilities.
Some of them would have broken the internet. It’s being reported that the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers discussed a deal surrounding LeBron James. Could that deal happen this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, G/F Gary Payton III, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F LeBron James
That’s not the only potential blockbuster that was discussed at the deadline. We’re hearing that Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey called the Phoenix Suns. He was wondering about Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Of course he was. If you’ve been following Morey, he’s always looking to add superstars to his roster. The Suns were never going to break up their superteam. At the same time, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors Updates
That’s what we mean by due diligence. Who knows where a conversation may lead? We’d love to have been a fly on the wall for those Warriors/Lakers discussions. Could they re-explore some possibilities this summer?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers will have some tough questions to answer this summer. James has a player option. He could decline that option and hit the open market if he prefers to leave.
So, trading him would be sensible. The Lakers will have limited leverage given James’ contractual situation. If they do opt to move him, the return won’t reflect the fact that this is one of the best players in NBA history.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Lakers should settle for this type of deal. Landing two first-round picks and a swap for a player on a team option who’s nearing retirement would be sensible. The Warriors are sending them some extra compensation for taking on Wiggins’ deal. Is that the right move for them?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Both of these teams have been disappointing in 2023-24. Either could justify rebuilding this summer. Why should the Warriors opt to remain in win-now mode instead?
Well, James is one of the best players of all time. Realistically, so is Steph Curry. Their skill sets are also complementary. James’ ability to make plays and Curry’s all-time three-point gravity ought to make them a natural duo.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors Updates
For the Warriors, this is about taking one (or two) more shots at an NBA title. They’re adding a player who, despite his age, is a fringe All-NBA player. If James is available, don’t be surprised if the Warriors make some noise this summer.
