The Golden State Warriors were in dire need of a star player to complement franchise point guard Stephen Curry before they signed Jimmy Butler this season. According to reports, the Warriors even considered combining Curry alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two of his fiercest opponents.
“The Golden State Warriors tried to trade for LeBron James and Kevin Durant at the same time before acquiring Jimmy Butler,” wrote Sam Amico of Hoops Wire. “Curry didn’t talk to LeBron about playing together, but the sharpshooter did speak with Durant.”
After 15 years in the NBA, the Warriors remained glaringly behind the best teams in the West, despite Steph leading them through their most successful period in franchise history. The Warriors have been steadily losing since their previous triumph in 2022, and only a significant event might have turned things around.
The Warriors believed that Steph, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant would be a great combination in San Francisco and create a lot of buzz as the NBA’s final “big three” after playing together in the Olympic Games in Paris last summer.
LeBron James, who is 40 years old, is putting up MVP-caliber play this season, averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. On and off the court, he has been a leader and a steady hand for the Lakers. It’s no secret that LeBron would rather remain with the Lakers, even if he and Steph might have prospered by utilizing one other’s disparate skill sets.
After establishing roots in Los Angeles, he has developed a relationship with the city and built his empire there. LeBron also wants to stay away from any move that might distance him from his son, especially now that Bronny is on the Lakers. Last season, the Warriors also made an attempt to get James through trade, but their offers have all been turned down thus far.
Kevin Durant, who traveled from Brooklyn to Phoenix, is happy there. With averages of 27.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 53.2% shooting, he has accepted his role on the team and is producing fantastic games on the floor. Steph and Durant have a history together as teammates, having made three consecutive Finals appearances and won two titles in 2017 and 2018.
This season, the Warriors were very aggressive in their pursuit of Durant, and they were on the verge of signing him before the former MVP made it clear that he did not want to return. Kevin had unresolved issues with the Suns, but it wasn’t personal versus the Warriors.
The Warriors might have been able to contend for a top-six seed and a Finals berth with a big three of LeBron, Durant, and Curry (23.4 points and 6.1 assists per game this season), but we’ll never get to know.
Instead of establishing a dynasty, the Warriors had to make do with Jimmy Butler. Six-time All-Star Butler has contributed 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on 44.6% shooting, fitting right in at Golden State.
It remains to be seen if the Warriors can win a championship one final time with Curry, but they will make every effort to increase their chances. The Warriors will be watching and hoping for any chance to put LeBron James and Kevin Durant together, but they are currently off the table.
