The prospect of NBA legends LeBron James and Steph Curry teaming up in the league has long tantalized basketball fans, a dream only intensified by their anticipated pairing for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer. However, while this collaboration on the international stage has become a reality, the possibility of them joining forces in the NBA remains a distant fantasy.
Behind the scenes, the Golden State Warriors reportedly made a serious attempt to acquire LeBron James before last year’s trade deadline, seeking to pull off a blockbuster deal that would have sent shockwaves through the league. However, these talks never gained momentum, largely due to resistance from James’ long-time agent, Rich Paul. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Paul was “adamantly opposed” to the idea of James leaving Southern California for Northern California.
Paul’s concerns centered on the potential backlash James might face if he were to join a fourth team in his illustrious career. James has already switched teams three times, having played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. Paul reportedly urged both the Warriors and Lakers to abandon the trade discussions, despite conversations at the ownership level between the Warriors’ Joe Lacob and the Lakers’ Jeanie Buss. Draymond Green, a key player and recruiter for the Warriors, also lobbied hard for the move, hoping to convince James to consider relocating to the Bay Area.
“Sources say Paul implored both teams to scrap the concept,” Stein wrote in his latest Substack report, “largely because he wanted to insulate James from potential backlash over switching teams for the fourth time in his career.”
Paul’s stance reflects a broader concern about how James’ legacy might be perceived if he continued to change teams. Throughout his career, James has faced criticism for his high-profile moves, particularly his decision to join the Miami Heat in 2010, which was met with significant backlash at the time. By advising against a move to the Warriors, Paul likely aimed to preserve James’ reputation and avoid further scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
The likelihood of James joining the Warriors appears even more remote now, especially after his son, Bronny James, was drafted by the Lakers this summer. Bronny, who signed a four-year contract with the Lakers, is expected to play a significant role in the team’s future, further solidifying LeBron’s ties to Los Angeles.
For now, the idea of LeBron James and Steph Curry wearing the same NBA jersey remains an exciting yet improbable fantasy. While their collaboration for Team USA will gave fans a taste of what could have been, the NBA world will have to continue to wonder “what if?” when it comes to this superstar pairing.
