Yes, the Warriors can trade for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. Here's how
The Golden State Warriors’ Dream Scenario: A Blueprint for Giannis and LeBron
It sounds like a simulation run amok in a video game, but the math—however narrow—actually exists. As the Golden State Warriors stare down the twilight of Stephen Curry’s prime, the front office is reportedly exploring a "nuclear option" for the summer of 2026: acquiring both Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. While the logistics are complex, league insiders, including Jake Fischer, have outlined a specific path for how this superteam could materialize.
The first domino involves Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the Milwaukee Bucks struggling and the "Greek Freak" potentially seeking a new competitive environment, the Warriors possess the necessary trade capital. A package centered on Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and up to four unprotected first-round picks offers the type of rebuild-ready assets Milwaukee would demand. The salary matching would likely involve the contract of Jimmy Butler, who was acquired by Golden State in 2025 but is currently sidelined with an ACL injury.
The second phase—landing LeBron James—requires financial gymnastics rather than trade assets. James is set to become an unrestricted free agent in June 2026. Because a trade for Giannis would strip the Warriors of depth but leave them below the first apron, Golden State could theoretically offer James the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE), projected at roughly $15.4 million. This scenario relies entirely on James’s willingness to take a massive pay cut to form a historic trio with Curry and Antetokounmpo for a final championship run.
Critics will argue the depth sacrifice is too great, especially with an aging roster. However, the allure of uniting three of the era's defining superstars—Curry, James, and Antetokounmpo—might be the only move bold enough to maximize Curry's final window. The "audacious double swoop" is technically possible, turning the Bay Area into the stage for the most star-studded experiment in NBA history.
It sounds like a simulation run amok in a video game, but the math—however narrow—actually exists. As the Golden State Warriors stare down the twilight of Stephen Curry’s prime, the front office is reportedly exploring a "nuclear option" for the summer of 2026: acquiring both Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. While the logistics are complex, league insiders, including Jake Fischer, have outlined a specific path for how this superteam could materialize.
The first domino involves Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the Milwaukee Bucks struggling and the "Greek Freak" potentially seeking a new competitive environment, the Warriors possess the necessary trade capital. A package centered on Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and up to four unprotected first-round picks offers the type of rebuild-ready assets Milwaukee would demand. The salary matching would likely involve the contract of Jimmy Butler, who was acquired by Golden State in 2025 but is currently sidelined with an ACL injury.
The second phase—landing LeBron James—requires financial gymnastics rather than trade assets. James is set to become an unrestricted free agent in June 2026. Because a trade for Giannis would strip the Warriors of depth but leave them below the first apron, Golden State could theoretically offer James the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE), projected at roughly $15.4 million. This scenario relies entirely on James’s willingness to take a massive pay cut to form a historic trio with Curry and Antetokounmpo for a final championship run.
Critics will argue the depth sacrifice is too great, especially with an aging roster. However, the allure of uniting three of the era's defining superstars—Curry, James, and Antetokounmpo—might be the only move bold enough to maximize Curry's final window. The "audacious double swoop" is technically possible, turning the Bay Area into the stage for the most star-studded experiment in NBA history.
