“Who wouldn’t I trade?… I can’t put James in that conversation” – NBA executives believe LeBron James could be traded to acquire Victor Wembanyama, says only a few superstars are untouchable
The basketball world is in awe of 2023 draft prospect Victor Wembanyama.
While most teams are eagerly starting their journey towards the playoffs, others are looking at Wembanyama as a potential franchise-altering talent. There will be plenty of excitement watching the Wembanyama sweepstakes for fans, scouts and executives throughout the year.
In a Lakers Daily article, an anonymous Western Conference executive said that LeBron James "wouldn't be untouchable" in a trade for Wembanyama.
“Who wouldn’t I trade?” the executive said. “You have (Kevin) Durant. You have Giannis (Antetokounmpo). I can’t put (James) in that conversation, just because of his age (37 years old). (Stephen) Curry. (Nikola) Jokić. And (Joel) Embiid.
"I would say, organizationally, you have to have that conversation. I’m not saying I would do it. But I think those five push that question."
The 7-foot-4 French big man has been in the spotlight heading into the NBA regular season. Some have said that Wembanyama might be the best prospect since LeBron James in 2003. With his versatility on both sides of the floor, combined with freakish length, Wembanyama has the tools to be generational.
Western Conference executive says LeBron James is not untouchable in a Victor Wembanyama trade: lakersdaily.com/western-confer…
Hype continues to surround 2023 draft prospect Victor Wembanyama
The excitement surrounding Victor Wembanyama as the future No. 1 draft pick has reached dangerous levels.
Last month, Wembanyama's team came to Nevada to play the G League Ignite in a pair of exhibition games. That opportunity gave scouts and executives a chance to see Wembanyama and hyped G League prospect Scoot Henderson in action. Henderson is considered the landslide favorite to be the second selection in the draft. Both players impressed, but Wembanyama stole the show.
After a pair of jaw-dropping performances, including a 36-point, 11-rebound, four-block display, Wembanyama has executives foaming at the mouth.
What makes Wembanyama such a special talent is his flashes of upside all over the floor. His 7-4 frame, with a reported 8-foot wingspan is alien-like. But Victor has the tools to be a dominant two-way superstar. Not only can he become a lethal rim-protecting asset, he can also space the floor from well beyond 3-point range.
Future No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama was unreal again today. 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and the important road win in OT versus previously undefeated Le Mans, including plenty of dunks, 3s and tremendous defensive plays. +17 in a narrow win. https://t.co/AmfHTjgGga
For franchises looking towards the future, they'd like their foundation to be Victor Wembanyama. There's already been plenty of caution when it comes to tanking by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Regarding the 7-4 Frenchman, there's going to be plenty of teams with an eye on winning the draft lottery.