NBA trading rumors: The Lakers and Warriors heavy trade prompted James to join forces with Curry, Butler and Cuming to join the Lakers

Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers suspended their trading and free market activities as the future of Jonathan Cumingga and LeBron James is uncertain. The Warriors are reportedly exploring ways to sign a deal, with the Sacramento Kings being one of the active suitors.

However, negotiations on the deal were deadlocked as the Warriors were not satisfied with the offer from Dario Salic and Devin Carter. Golden State Warriors want Keegan Murray of Sacramento. James, on the other hand, chose his $52.6 million player option. His position depends on the Lakers' competitiveness this year.

Their passive approach does not fit James' timeline. These deals are mainly centered around Doncic and ensure flexibility in 2027, when several superstars will enter the open market. James reportedly was willing to end his career elsewhere.

The Warriors reportedly were one of the teams interested in him before the 2024 NBA trade deadline, but the move failed to come true after James and his team rejected the deal. However, things may change, especially for the four-time MVP winner, who will turn 41 later this year and will be retired.

If the Lakers and Warriors are willing to trade, then this makes sense, and James is among them. After he opted in, he retained his non-trading clause and if he made an exit, he could still control his next place.

The three teams centered on LeBron James between the Lakers and the Warriors proposed a heavy deal, like the Lakers, the Warriors may also be focusing on the NBA free market in 2027 to create cap space. This may be their chance to get rid of some contracts that will be difficult to get rid of in two years. This could also allow both teams to be reorganized and provide new faces to the stars they retain.

The following are the deals of three teams, including the Phoenix Suns, how to send LeBron James to the Warriors:

The Warriors get:

LeBron James

Ruy Eight-Inch Champions

Royce O'Neal

Richards Nick

Suns get:

Jarded Vanderbilt

Buddy Hilder

2026 first-round draft pick (from the Warriors)

Lakers get:

Jimmy Butler

Jonathan Kumingga

The Warriors get LeBron James' long-term goals, as well as two stable three-point shooters, Ei Hachimura and Royce O'Neal. They also brought in Nick Richards from the Suns to solve the depth problem of center. James remains the second choice on the offensive end, and he can keep the Warriors unbeaten without Curry.

Jimmy Butler was unstable and he delayed more during his short term. Meanwhile, Hachimura is a direct replacement for Kumingga, who will accept a better role than the young forward as a catch-and-shooting expert. Golden State Warriors get O'Neal to strengthen their wing defense.

The Suns used Vanderbilt and Hilder's contract to obtain a first-round draft pick from the Warriors. Meanwhile, the Lakers get a steady two-way star Butler, who is more suitable than James and Luca Doncic and Austin Reeves, and a rookie Cuminga, whose annual contract is worth $25 million. They don't have to spend their draft picks to terminate Vanderbilt's contract.

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