LeBron James joins Warriors in wild trade idea to reunite 2016 Finals crew

LeBron James could headline a blockbuster trade that would send Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson to the Golden State Warriors. The proposed deal would reunite the 2016 NBA Finals core of James, Irving, Thompson, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry.

What’s the trade package?

The Warriors would send Jimmy Butler’s expiring $56.8M salary plus a 2027 first-round pick (Top-4 protected) to the Dallas Mavericks. In return, Golden State would land Irving and Thompson. Butler is expected to miss the first chunk of the 2026-27 season after tearing his ACL.

Why would Golden State do this?

The move keeps the Warriors in win-now mode for Stephen Curry’s chase at a fifth ring. Adding James, Irving and Thompson to a starting five of Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Green and Kristaps Porzingis would give Golden State two deep, veteran-laden units. Thompson’s expiring $17.4M salary and Irving’s $42.4M player option for next season also let the Warriors preserve cap space in 2027.

What’s in it for LeBron James?

The trade would pair James with Curry for a potential championship run in his 24th season. Klay Thompson has openly expressed interest in playing with James again, according to insider Jake Fischer. “He’s had interest in playing with LeBron in the past,” Fischer wrote. “I do think that there would be excitement from both sides, of Golden State and Klay, to really go out on a high note.”

What does Dallas gain?

The Mavericks would clear roster spots and land a future first-rounder while pivoting to the Cooper Flagg era. Irving and Thompson are seen as misfits in Dallas’ long-term plans, and the deal avoids tricky contract talks with Irving. The Mavericks aren’t expected to contend next season, so sending Irving and Thompson to Golden State keeps them in meaningful games and burnishes their goodwill.