Warriors eye ‘dream’ LeBron trade, $50m superstar to pair with Steph

A blockbuster trade rumour is taking over the NBA with one team reportedly chasing a superstar player to join forces with Steph Curry.

As the Golden State Warriors search for another superstar to pair with Steph Curry, they reportedly have two big names on their radar — LeBron James and Jimmy Butler.

Talk surrounding the future of James and what’s next for the four-time MVP seemingly won’t go away.

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A report last year claimed Golden State reached out to the Lakers about a potential James trade — an approach shut down by James and his camp, according to the report.

But with the Lakers struggling this season and Golden State wanting for another star, whispers of a potential James move has resurfaced.

And ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed James is indeed on the Warriors’ radar.

The Warriors want another superstar for Steph. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“I know this is one of the most fascinating opportunities in the league, it’s a delicious situation to think about,” Windhorst said on Get Up.

“The Warriors have dreamed of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year. That was before LeBron played with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry and won the gold medal over the summer.

“They will definitely monitor the situation.

“I would just say with LeBron, it’s up to him. He has a no-trade clause and has given no indication he wants the Lakers to do anything but upgrade the roster they’ve got, not that he wants to go anywhere.”

Jimmy Butler and LeBron James are two stars on the Warriors’ radar, per @windhorstespn 👀

Could you see either of them playing in Golden State? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qrInvrqZiE

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 11, 2024

Of course, the new CBA rules make a Warriors-Lakers trade extremely difficult, with LA in the first apron.

The Lakers also just drafted James’ son Bronny, so it’s hard to see James wanting to leave the Lakers.

Set to turn 40 next month, James, who recently said his “time (left in the NBA) is very limited” amid a dip in his form from his previous epic heights, can become a free agent next off-season if he opts out of his $52 million deal.

That comes after ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed the Heat are now “open to offers” for Butler.

The Houston Rockets. Dallas Mavericks and Warriors are reportedly teams the 35-year old would be interested in joining.

Charania revealed the Phoenix Suns can be added to that list of teams too.

Butler is effectively in a contract season given he can opt out of his $52.4 million player option with Miami and become a free agent next off-season.

“The Heat are open to listening to offers for Butler and making a deal if the proposal is right, league sources told ESPN,“ Charania wrote.”

“And Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that Butler is open to destinations such as two of the Texas teams (Houston and Dallas) and the Golden State Warriors.

“Butler is a native of Houston, Texas. Above all, though, he is believed to prefer a win-now title contender in any trade.”

Butler has averaged 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 17 of a possible 22 games for the Heat this season after team president of basketball operations Pat Riley suggested the star’s health would be central to its decision making in potentially giving him a max contract extension.

The 12-10 Heat have won three-straight games including five of their past seven to occupy the East’s fifth seed, with Tyler Herro emerging as the team’s top star in a breakout season.

Originally published as Warriors eye ‘dream’ LeBron trade, $50m superstar to pair with Steph