NBA analyst suggests mock trade for LeBron James and Steph Curry to end up with 7-foot-4 talent
The first-ever LeBron James-Steph Curry pairing in a competitive environment at the 2024 Paris Olympics for Team USA has set NBA fans abuzz. After the duo's exploits in a 17-point turnaround against Serbia in the semifinals on Thursday, several fans wish to see them team up on an NBA team before they retire.
NBA analyst Nick Wright thinks he can get the deal done. During an appearance on FS1's First Things First, Wright suggested a mock trade between the LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs, forming a big three with LeBron, Curry and 7-foot-4 star Victor Wembanyama in Texas.
"I found a trade that works with the salary cap that I think you can make an argument all parties involved can get fair value, pending how valuable you think year 22 LeBron is," Wright said.
"I don't think year 22 LeBron has as much trade value as like Lauri Markkanen does because you're trading for one guy for a year or two."
Wright referred to LeBron's potential retirement when mentioning a team would only get one or two years of service out of the four-time MVP. The analyst then revealed the Spurs as a destination and the mock trade he drew out.
Nick Wright's mock draft:
- Spurs get LeBron James, Steph Curry
- Lakers get Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, two first-round picks
- Warriors get Devin Vassell, Zach Collins, two first-round picks
The Spurs have stockpiled their draft assets, so they won't hesitate much to trade picks. The players mentioned in the trade won't remain part of the Spurs' long-term and will eventually get traded for established veterans or stars.
The questions could mainly be about Victor Wembanyama's developments. San Antonio may want to invest more time in their centerpiece before pressuring him to win championships alongside two modern-day legends.
Meanwhile, the trade won't mean much for the Lakers or the Warriors, with both teams looking to contend. As for Steph Curry and LeBron James, the two would prefer to stay in California. The former's ideal landing spot if he were to sign elsewhere would be in his hometown, Charlotte, while James would want a move back to Cleveland at best.
Assessing LeBron James and Steph Curry's potential future options
LeBron James and Steph Curry are in the twilight of their careers. James, who will be 40 this year, could retire at the end of next season or continue for another one at best. He signed a two-year $104 million deal with a player option and a no-trade clause. He's also getting his wish to play with son Bronny James this year.
Meanwhile, Curry has two years until he's a free agent. He will be 38 then. With the Warriors' refusal to go all-in on win-now players and willingness to move on from a veteran core piece of their dynasty years like Klay Thompson, Curry might not remain a Warrior after the 2025-26 season.
If things in the Bay Area don't improve regarding the team's championship prospects, Curry getting traded next year before his deal expires could be a realistic proposition.