LeBron James to Warriors Trade: Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and One Fan Favorite Star Would Have Suffered the Axe

The NBA was one decision away from witnessing something transformative and humungous. Two of the biggest rivals of this generation could have been on the same side. Yesterday, an Adrian Wojnarowski report revealed how the Golden State Warriors made efforts to recruit LeBron James during the trade deadline.

It would have formed the dream duo. Stephen Curry and King James would have shared the same floor after being arch-nemesis for all of their career. Given James’ previous mention of wanting to play with the Chef, it didn’t seem like a move he wouldn’t consider. However, on approaching him, James had no interest and was adamant to stay in LA.

But what if he was driven to make it happen? What would the trade look like? NBA legend Gilbert Arenas spoke on what the potential trade would look like.

Gilbert Arenas indulges in the LeBron James to the Warriors conversation

The Warriors making a chase for LeBron James will remain the biggest headline in the NBA over the coming weeks. Curry and James stans had the vision of the tandem running the floor together. Dub Nation felt their championship window would have extended by a few seasons given the Akron Hammer has shown no signs of slowing down in Year 21.

Arenas along with his entourage decided to conjure up what an ideal trade scenario would look like. Agent Zero revealed the three players he thought would become sacrificial lambs if the Bay were to welcome LeBron James into their home.

“Most likely it would have been Klay, Kuminga, and Wiggins. Most likely,” said Gilbert Arenas.

Currently, James is under a $47 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also has a player option worth $51 million for the 2024-25 season. For the Warriors to free up substantial space, Klay Thompson would certainly have to be a part of that trade. The three-point specialist has seen a stern decline in his game and has shown noticeable regression this season. Freeing up $43 million by giving him up would be the Warriors’ first move.

However, they wouldn’t have to lose both Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins if they wanted strictly LeBron James. To match his contract, a budding prospect like Brandon Podziemski might have had to be attached to the trade with his $3.3 million rookie contract. Ideally, the Bay would also have to give up some draft capital to acquire King James.

If they ventured into taking multiple pieces from the Lakers, it would have to involve a contract of the magnitude of Gabe Vincent or Reaves. We know the Lakers wouldn’t offer AR because of his boundless ceiling. Vincent isn’t healthy so he stays out of the question. So it would most likely take Thompson and Podziemski’s contracts to match James.

But realistically, the Lakers would want to maximize their return for LeBron James. It would take two impact makers to foster such a move, one that could happen in the coming offseason if James opts into the player option. Then the Warriors could offer Chris Paul and Wiggins, a much more enticing offer than what they could have managed during this trade deadline.

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If there’s still interest next season, do you think it’s worth it for the Warriors to team up LeBron James with Stephen Curry?

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