In a move that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the NBA, sports analyst Nick Wright has proposed a trade scenario that could unite two of the league’s biggest superstars—LeBron James and Stephen Curry—on the San Antonio Spurs.
This audacious idea, shared on Wright’s show ‘First Things First’, is one of the most imaginative and speculative trade suggestions in recent memory, and it would completely reshape the landscape of the NBA if it were to happen.
Trade Details
Spurs Receive: LeBron James, Stephen Curry
Lakers Receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, 2 First-Round Picks
Warriors Receive: Devin Vassell, Zach Collins, 2 First-Round Picks
Nick Wright’s rationale for the trade revolves around a few key points.
“So I found a trade that works with the salary cap, that I think you can make an argument, all parties involved get fair value pending how valuable you think year 22 LeBron Is.”
“Year 22 LeBron James has as much trade value, oddly, as like Lauri Markkanen does right now, because you’re trading for one guy for a year or two. It is something that if it were presented to Steph and LeBron, I think they would at least immediately get on the phone and discuss it.”
“It’s four legends together and a potential future legend being taken under their wing. And it is LeBron James and Steph Curry both being traded to the San Antonio Spurs. They also have young players on decent contracts, like Johnson and Vassell. So the Spurs get LeBron instead. The Lakers get Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes. The Spurs first in 2027. And the Timberwolves first in 2031, which the Spurs have. All unprotected.”
“The Warriors get Devin Bissell, Zach Collins, and Sissoko to make the money work. Atlanta’s 27 firsts, which could be super valuable. Here’s the argument for the Spurs, other than… And by the way, Chris Paul’s on the team and Greg Popovich is the coach. Teach Wemby how to win.”
“You are not sacrificing long-term flexibility with Wemby because when those guys are gone, now all of a sudden you have all this cap space, you still will have a surplus of picks.”
“So here’s what I would say. I almost think Adam Silver should just be like, Hey guys, you’re doing it. Like David Stern, like when he vetoed the Chris ball trade, just like, ‘Hey, for, for, for the good of the league, for the good of the league, we’re going to get Stephan LeBron with Pop for a farewell’. It’s a neutral site.”
“Like nobody can be like, he went to his team, he went to his team. And cap wise, it can’t happen until October 4th. So when I said it can work, I understand it’s not going to happen. But my point is, that is a trade that because of aprons and everything, trades are hard. The Spurs have so little salary, they have real old-school trade flexibility on taking on that type of salary. That can work.”
First, he suggests that LeBron James, now entering his 22nd NBA season, still has significant value, though more as a short-term asset than as a long-term franchise cornerstone. He compares LeBron’s current trade value to that of a player like Lauri Markkanen—valuable, but with the understanding that he’s not a long-term piece.
Wright goes on to highlight the potential allure of the trade for the Spurs, who would be acquiring two of the most iconic players in NBA history. The Spurs would pair LeBron and Curry with rising star Victor Wembanyama under the tutelage of legendary coach Gregg Popovich. Wright argues that this move could serve as a bridge between eras, helping to instill a winning culture in Wembanyama while still preserving long-term flexibility once LeBron and Curry retire.
For the Lakers and Warriors, Wright suggests that while neither team is getting a superstar in return, they are receiving valuable pieces that could help maintain competitiveness in the short term. The Lakers would gain a promising young player in Keldon Johnson, a solid veteran in Harrison Barnes, and valuable future draft capital. The Warriors would receive Devin Vassell, a promising young guard, and Zach Collins, along with future picks that could help them retool around their remaining core.
Is This Trade Even Possible?
While this trade might work in theory, it’s important to recognize the complexities and realities of the NBA landscape. For one, a trade of this magnitude involving two of the league’s biggest stars would likely only be feasible if LeBron James and Stephen Curry themselves requested to be traded—and specifically requested to team up.
LeBron and Curry are both fiercely loyal to their respective franchises, and any decision to leave would likely come with significant deliberation. LeBron has repeatedly expressed his commitment to the Lakers, while Curry has been the face of the Warriors for over a decade. For them to consider leaving, the stars would have to align in a very specific way.
That said, if such a trade were to happen, it would be unprecedented. The Spurs would instantly become title contenders, even if only for a couple of seasons. Pairing LeBron and Curry with Victor Wembanyama would create a “superteam” the likes of which the NBA has never seen. The mentorship and leadership that LeBron and Curry could provide to Wembanyama would be invaluable, potentially setting him up to carry the torch as the face of the league for the next decade.
The Lakers and Warriors, while losing their franchise icons, would still be in a position to remain competitive. The Lakers would gain a mix of youth and experience, with the potential to build for the future while staying relevant in the present. The Warriors, too, would receive valuable assets that could help them navigate the post-Curry era, ensuring that they don’t fall into a prolonged rebuild.
For the NBA as a whole, this trade would be a blockbuster of historic proportions. The idea of LeBron and Curry—two players who have defined the last decade of basketball—teaming up under Gregg Popovich, and alongside the league’s next potential superstar in Wembanyama, is tantalizing. It would be a must-watch event, capturing the attention of basketball fans worldwide.
Nick Wright’s trade proposal is, in many ways, a fantasy scenario—one that would require a perfect storm of conditions to become reality. But if it were to happen, the impact on the NBA would be seismic. The Spurs would become instant contenders, the Lakers and Warriors would retool for the future, and fans would get to witness one of the most exciting partnerships in NBA history.
As improbable as it may seem, the idea of LeBron James and Stephen Curry joining forces is enough to get the basketball world talking. And if there’s anything we’ve learned from the NBA over the years, it’s to expect the unexpected.
