The talks that the Golden State Warriors dynasty is slinking towards its end are at an all-time high. In pursuit of extending the window of the franchise’s fading dynasty, the Golden State Warriors tried – albeit unsuccessfully – to pull off what could have been one of the biggest blockbuster trades in NBA history.
As per recent reports by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, prior to the trade deadline, the Warriors attempted to convince the Lakers front office to consider trading LeBron James to pair him with arch-rival Stephen Curry. But that’s all it was – an attempt, since neither the Lakers front office nor James were interested in exploring the possibility.
ESPN Story with @RamonaShelburne: Over a 24-hour window prior to trade deadline that included owner to owner conversations, the Warriors made an unsuccessful bid to convince the Lakers and LeBron James to consider a trade to pair him with Stephen Curry. https://t.co/L14os5gTGp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 14, 2024
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Even though the chances were slim to begin with, one couldn’t blame the Dubs for trying (to put it mildly). The Warriors left no stone unturned in hopes of making this deal a reality. It didn’t just stop at the ownership level. Woj and Ramona Shelburne reported that Draymond Green reached out to his agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul to solicit his support in convincing James to consider a change of scenery. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. also reached out to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka on the matter, while Warriors owner Joe Lacob contacted Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.
Despite the efforts, the consensus at all three levels was that the Lakers had no intention of trading James, and the 4-time MVP had no desire to leave, as confirmed by Paul six days before the deadline.
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However, this move was not unwarranted either. It came on the heels of James’ cryptic social media activity, where he tweeted an hourglass emoji- which the Warriors interpreted as their cue to make the move. While the trade failed to actualize, it did send the NBA world into a frenzy.
The NBA world reacts to the LeBron James-Stephen Curry trade news
While the news is indeed accurate, it is understandable why some fans would have a hard time coming to grips with reality. After all, such a move would have had a seismic impact on the league. Many fans took to social media to express their shock.
Is this the real woj ??
This can't be true LeBron turned down 2 rings
Can't believe it 😲— MVN (@mvn_cr7_sc30) February 14, 2024
Ridiculous clickbait here 😂
— Miami HEAT UK 🇬🇧 (@TheMiamiHeatUK) February 14, 2024
A few fans expressed their grief over the potential blockbuster trade not coming to fruition.
what could’ve been 💔💔💔💔 https://t.co/ckPXLpu9pG pic.twitter.com/iMEfO7rvrW
— ✮Baah✮ (@Mk_Baah) February 14, 2024
NBA got robbed. Curry and Bron winning their 5th ring would’ve been generational. Their legacy run would’ve fed families😭
— Niners own your franchise (@NinersCook) February 14, 2024
Dream is broken💔 pic.twitter.com/MpRri4q8rB https://t.co/8DeTcdEXQ1
— John Baione (@OJSIMPS0NBURNER) February 14, 2024
One fan praised James for his loyalty while simultaneously taking a dig at Kevin Durant.
W Bron. Don’t be a snake like KD 😈 https://t.co/8YgQkPUSw1 pic.twitter.com/Muo00wPmK8
— 😎 (@xEC_RATx) February 14, 2024
This Milwaukee Bucks fan is convinced that James is just assessing the situation before planning to bail out in the offseason.
Very obviously LeBron and the Klutch team testing the waters before an inevitable move to Golden State this offseason https://t.co/UNFXWZwhwG
— Maverick Johnson (@MKEBucksCat) February 14, 2024
LeBum running away to another superteam next szn I'm done https://t.co/RdL6Fr4EQv pic.twitter.com/WSkQaaOC3q
— ☀️ (@CookUpFics) February 14, 2024
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One fan hilariously pointed out that the Warriors are going above and beyond just to limit Luka Doncic’s offensive production.
All this to stop one man https://t.co/02B2Roc7Ec pic.twitter.com/onQo7hQ1OV
— songezo (@SongezoGoxo) February 14, 2024
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What are your thoughts on the trade rumor? Would you have wanted to see James in a Golden State jersey? Let us know in the comments!
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