The Warriors are entering a stage of their Franchise where they’re in full limbo mode. Their Championships still feel so fresh, but the core of their team has left such as Klay Thompson, getting older like Draymond Green (34) and Stephen Curry (36) to where the future might be in a different direction.
This is a PREDICTION PIECE not a REPORT, so this is simply a proposed trade idea.
The Trade Proposal
A trade of this magnitude requires careful consideration from both sides. Here’s a potential trade proposal:
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Steph Curry Golden State Warriors receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, D’Angelo Russell, 2025 first-round pick (unprotected), 2027 first-round pick (unprotected)
Facts about the Warriors and Curry
This offseason the team lost their longterm staple in Klay Thompson, and it was reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic that they attempted to pursue Paul George, which was also confirmed by Draymond Green but said the Clippers didn’t want to “Play Ball.” presumably because they are in the same conference but the 76ers are not.
It was also reported by Slater that while Warriors New GM Mike Dunleavy Jr keeps Curry in the loop with all moves, that Curry has decisions to make on his longterm future based on the action/inaction the Warriors take.
LeBron and Curry: A Bond Tightened at the 2024 Olympics
LeBron James and Steph Curry have always had a mutual respect for each other, but their connection deepened during the 2024 Olympics. As two of the most accomplished players in NBA history, their time together in Paris was marked by camaraderie, shared leadership, and an undeniable on-court chemistry. They not only led Team USA to a gold medal but also forged a bond that could now see them joining forces in the NBA.
Their friendship and understanding of each other’s game make this trade more than just a basketball transaction—it’s the culmination of a relationship that has grown both on and off the court. LeBron and Curry’s mutual admiration and trust could be the key to unlocking a new level of success for the Lakers.
There were many moments from Post game interviews to the Game against Serbia to the Gold Medal game where these two were in Lockstep.
The Warriors’ Struggles and the Need for Change
The Golden State Warriors, once the dominant force in the NBA, have fallen on hard times over the past couple of seasons. Despite Curry’s brilliance, the team has struggled to contend, missing the playoffs in 2023 and suffering an early exit in 2024. The loss of Klay Thompson in free agency dealt a significant blow to the team’s championship hopes, as his departure left a void that the Warriors have filled with Buddy Hield, but the nostalgia is leaving the building.
Without Thompson, the Warriors’ dynamic duo of Curry and Thompson was no more. The past two years have been marked by inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of the supporting cast that made the Warriors’ dynasty possible. As the franchise faces the reality of its decline, trading Curry could be the first step in a full-scale rebuild, allowing the Warriors to restock their roster with young talent and draft assets.
The Lakers’ Win-Now Mode and JJ Redick’s Pressure
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the urgency to win is at an all-time high. LeBron James is in the twilight of his career, and the window for another championship is rapidly closing. With JJ Redick in his first year as head coach, the pressure to deliver results is immense. Redick, a former player with no previous head coaching experience, is under scrutiny to prove he can lead a team to a title, especially with the expectations that come with coaching LeBron.
The Lakers have already built a roster around LeBron designed to compete immediately, but adding Curry would take them to another level. Pairing LeBron with Curry, two of the greatest players of their generation, would create a dynamic duo capable of taking on any team in the league. It’s a move that signals the Lakers’ commitment to maximizing LeBron’s remaining years and giving him the best possible chance to add to his championship legacy.
For the Lakers, acquiring Curry would mean sacrificing depth and future draft picks, but the opportunity to pair Curry with LeBron is too great to pass up. The Lakers’ front office is betting that the combination of these two superstars can bring them another championship and solidify their place in NBA history.
For the Warriors, this trade represents a chance to retool for the future. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are promising young players who can be part of the Warriors’ core moving forward, while D’Angelo Russell provides scoring and playmaking. The unprotected first-round picks give the Warriors valuable assets that could be used in future trades or to draft the next generation of stars.
The potential trade of Steph Curry to the Lakers is a blockbuster that could define the next chapter of the NBA. For LeBron James and Steph Curry, it’s an opportunity to join forces and chase championships together. For the Warriors, it’s a chance to pivot towards the future and begin the process of rebuilding a contender. As the NBA waits to see if this deal comes to fruition, one thing is clear: the ripple effects of such a trade would be felt across the league for years to come.