Warriors Dream Big: Aiming for LeBron and KD at the Trade Deadline

The Warriors appear eager to make a move before the NBA trade deadline.

In a surprising trade that shocked the league, the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz completed a three-team deal over the weekend that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas.

The Mavericks received Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick, while the Lakers got Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The Jazz, meanwhile, ended up with Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round pick from the Lakers, and a second-round pick from the Mavericks in 2025.

In another massive three-team trade, the Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls made a deal that saw the Spurs land De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin, the Kings secure Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, and six draft picks, and the Bulls acquire Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and a 2025 first-round pick from San Antonio.

Now, it seems the Golden State Warriors are preparing to make their own move as the trade deadline looms. Like the aforementioned trades, the Warriors are reportedly looking to make a bold move to bring a major star to join Steph Curry.

And if the Warriors have their way, that star count could be two, as rumors are circulating that the team is exploring the possibility of adding both LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Warriors Eyeing LeBron and Durant

On Monday, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and revealed that the Warriors are aggressively seeking a second superstar before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

“The Warriors are calling on every All-Star player,” Charania said. “You name the All-Star, and the Warriors have likely reached out. Paul George? They’ve called. They’ve been in contact with every star, including LeBron, Kevin Durant, and Jimmy Butler. They’re focused on pairing another superstar with Stephen Curry. This is a big subplot to the trade deadline.”

Jake Fischer from The Stein Line also reported on Monday that Golden State’s most ambitious goal is to acquire both LeBron and Durant.

“Sources say the most ambitious plan discussed among Warriors executives: Is there a viable path to acquire both James and Durant?”

Just days ago, the idea of the Warriors landing both stars seemed far-fetched. But considering the shock trades involving the Mavericks and Lakers, almost anything seems within reach now.

One major factor to consider, however, is the price the Warriors would need to pay to acquire two former MVPs, both in terms of talent and salary, as James and Durant have a combined cap hit nearing $100 million this season.

With Golden State already hard-capped at the first luxury tax apron, they would need to match that amount in trade compensation. Andrew Wiggins, earning over $26 million this season, would likely be the first to be moved. The Warriors may also need to part with Draymond Green, who is making over $24 million for 2024-25.

Although Jonathan Kuminga makes far less at $7.636 million, he too would likely be part of the deal, along with several others. If the Warriors manage to pull off this trade, they’ll have to decide whether sacrificing some of their young talent for a brief run with James and Durant is worth it.