The Golden State Warriors enter the 2025-26 campaign aiming for a deep playoff run, though they may still be missing a piece to make a true championship push.
After trading for Jimmy Butler last season, the Warriors reached the Western Conference semifinals before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This offseason, Golden State added Al Horford to strengthen its center group and re-signed restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $46.8 million contract.
Kuminga may have been hesitant to sign, as his new deal was finalized just a day before the deadline to accept his qualifying offer. He could become a trade candidate this season. The Warriors have been linked to LeBron James in trade speculation ever since the four-time MVP exercised his player option rather than signing a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, making a trade a plausible scenario.
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Warriors could target LeBron James
With both Stephen Curry and James in the latter stages of their careers, bringing the two together could create a prime opportunity for each to chase a fifth NBA title. Responding to a statement about James' future, Sam Smith of NBA.com emphasized that the path is now clear for a potential trade, especially following Kuminga’s new deal.
“I love that the Lakers announced James was sitting with a nerve irritation in the glute. Which basically translates to pain in the rear. Who knew the Lakers were so funny,” he wrote. “LeBron surely has shown he can be one, and with Kuminga very reluctantly signing, the path certainly is open for a deadline trade, LeBron to join Steph and Jimmy for a big time championship run.”
Had Kuminga accepted his qualifying offer, he would have had a no-trade clause. Now, the Warriors could flip the promising young forward for additional assets, and his lucrative deal could help them land a star like James.
If James feels the Lakers lack the pieces to compete for a title by the trade deadline in February, he could waive his no-trade clause to join a contender. Golden State would be an ideal landing spot, instantly making them a top-tier threat in a stacked Western Conference.
For James, teaming up with Curry could be a storybook ending to a legendary career, while the Lakers could gain a long-term building block alongside Luka Doncic.
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