Warriors trade pitch pairs Curry with $100 million – MVP and Olympic teammate
The Golden State Warriors are still looking for a star, but the market has narrowed to a deal for Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.
There’s a good reason Golden State is still looking for Markkanen, as the 7-footer with a deadeye from the 3-point line is a perfect fit for what the Warriors have done best over the last decade: spread the floor with a small-ball lineup led by Stephen Curry and bend opponents to their style.
However, Markkanen may not be the greatest option, as proven by Curry’s performance with Team USA as they prepare for the Summer Olympics in Paris later this month. The two have played as starters together in double-digit triumphs over strong opposition like as Canada and Serbia in recent weeks, and Warriors/Team USA head coach Steve Kerr aims to use them as much as possible.
“I like those guys together,” Kerr remarked on July 19, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “Steph and LeBron are kind of learning how to play together, and they’re getting a better feel for each other.”
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Utah is interested in all three of the Warriors’ transferable first-round selections as well as emerging prospects like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody. Golden State has rejected that trade offer, but some variation of it might conceivably pique the attention of the Lakers, who look to be torn between competing with a huge move and operating with an eye on the future by hanging onto assets and focusing on development.
James is signed to a $101 million contract, but Golden State could make the money work if motivated.
LeBron James has a no-trade clause and may be willing to consider a deal with the Warriors if winning the title is his top priority.
James has a player option in the second year of his contract and one of the NBA’s only two no-trade clauses, the other belonging to Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns.
As a result, James may oppose any transaction that would take him away of Los Angeles. However, he might depart on his own after only one more season.
James turns 40 in December and is apparently looking for one final chance at the crown. However, the Lakers were unable to sign any of the free players James stated he would be prepared to pay less for this summer, including Klay Thompson and James Harden.
Los Angeles made no significant acquisitions this summer and has earned the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs for the last three years. The franchise did chose LeBron James’ eldest son, Bronny James, in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, which might keep James in Los Angeles, where he also has several business interests.
However, playing up the coast in the Bay Area for a year or two may appeal to James, who stated in 2022 that Curry was the one player he’d like to play alongside more than anybody else in the NBA.
“Steph Curry’s the one I want to play with for sure, in today’s game,” James remarked on an episode of “The Shop,” which he produces for HBO. “I love everything about that guy.”
