Speculation around LeBron James and a potential move to the Golden State Warriors has resurfaced, fueled by recent NBA history that has shown seemingly impossible deals can, in fact, happen. However, insight from someone firmly within James’ inner circle has poured cold water on the idea, at least for now.
Recent NBA shocks keep rumors alive
Over the past year, both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Warriors have proven that blockbuster trades are no longer off-limits.
Golden State stunned the league by landing Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, despite earlier reports suggesting Butler had no interest in the Bay Area. Before that, the Lakers pulled off a jaw-dropping trade for Luka Doncic, a move few saw coming.
Those bold decisions delivered immediate results, but the impact has gradually faded. As the 2025–26 season unfolds, both franchises find themselves drifting toward mediocrity, raising questions about whether another seismic move is needed to reignite championship ambitions.
Aging stars and growing urgency
The urgency is understandable given the age and workload of both teams’ cornerstone players. Stephen Curry, now 37, is still producing at an elite level, averaging 28.7 points per game for a Warriors squad sitting at 18–16.
On the other side, LeBron James recently turned 41 and is averaging 20.3 points for a Lakers team that stands at 20–11 but has dropped four of its last five games.
With championship windows narrowing, some around the league believe another major shake-up could benefit both franchises.
Trade speculation meets firm resistance
That backdrop led veteran NBA writer Bill Simmons of The Ringer to float a provocative idea: a swap involving LeBron James and Jimmy Butler. From a financial standpoint, the deal could work and would instantly make both teams more compelling.
However, Rich Paul—James’ longtime agent and also the representative for Warriors forward Draymond Green—dismissed the notion outright. Speaking on the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul made his stance unmistakably clear.
“I don’t get into that. I don’t play anything fantasy. If you ask any of my friends, does Rich do anything fantasy, they’ll say, no,” Paul said.
“Why don’t we just play duck-duck-goose? I don’t like to get into that. It’s not gonna happen so why are we talking about things that aren’t gonna happen?”
While the idea of James and Curry sharing a locker room continues to captivate fans, Paul’s comments suggest that, for now, the buzz is more fantasy than reality.