The NBA world is still buzzing over the stunning trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, which saw Luka Donฤiฤ and Anthony Davis swap teams.
While most franchises are still processing that blockbuster move, the Golden State Warriors appear to be setting their sights on an even more ambitious goal.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, as told by the ‘Bleacher Report‘ Golden State are exploring the possibility of acquiring both LeBron James and Kevin Durant before the trade deadline. The idea sounds almost inconceivable, both in terms of salary-matching logistics and the sheer magnitude of such a deal.
However, Fischer emphasized that this type of aggressive pursuit aligns with the Warriorsโ history of going after big-name talent.
Pulling off a trade of this scale would be nothing short of miraculous, but the same could have been said about the Mavericksโ acquisition of Donฤiฤ. While Dallasโ front office, managed to execute one of the most shocking trades in recent memory, the Warriors would have to find their own path to making this dream scenario a reality.
Of course, executing such a move would require a creative package of assets compelling enough for both the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns to even consider parting ways with their superstars. As speculation builds, all eyes will be on Golden State.
The idea is to get Durant first and then add LeBron
On the same day Fischerโs report was released, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that the Golden State Warriors had already reached out to the Phoenix Suns about a potential Kevin Durant trade. However, Phoenix swiftly dismissed the idea.
While that response was expected, itโs still worth exploring what kind of offer the Warriors might put together while keeping enough financial flexibility and assets to also pursue LeBron James.
Between Durant and LeBron, the 36-year-old Durant likely holds slightly more trade value at this stage. That means any potential deal would have to include multiple pieces from Golden Stateโs young core.
The centerpiece of the offer would likely revolve around Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, two promising young talents aand Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schrรถder to match salaries
What about LeBron?
Crafting a LeBron James trade poses challenges, especially while keeping key assets like Wiggins, Schrรถder, Kuminga, Podziemski, and Santos off the table. The Warriors must also stay under the $178.1 million salary threshold and ensure Bronny James joins LeBron in Golden State.
With Durant holding more trade value, a LeBron deal would be more salary-driven. Draymond Green would headline the package, marking the end of an era. Joining him would be Gary Payton II for perimeter defense, Buddy Hield for shooting, and Lindy Waters III as a salary filler.
Golden State canโt trade first-rounders in consecutive years, so the Lakers would receive pick swaps in 2026 and 2031. Since L.A. needs to reduce salary, a third teamโpossibly Detroitโwould be needed to absorb a contract like Jarred Vanderbiltโs or Gabe Vincentโs. To incentivize this, the Lakers might send out their 2025 second-round pick.
