EXCLUSIVE: LeBron James Suddenly Proposes Jersey Swap for Curry – “I Want to Play Together at Warriors!”

The NBA world was sent into a frenzy on July 24 after an explosive ESPN report revealed that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James had taken the extraordinary step of personally reaching out to Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to express his desire to join the San Francisco-based franchise. The unprecedented move has sent shockwaves through the league, upending conventional free agency norms and potentially reshaping the balance of power in the Western Conference.

The Game-Changing Phone Call That Shook the NBA

According to a high-ranking insider, James, 39, placed a direct call to Dunleavy earlier in the day (U.S. time) and delivered a stunning proposition. The four-time NBA champion reportedly stated in no uncertain terms: “Bring me to play with Steph. I’ll take an 80% pay cut to wear a Warriors jersey and chase my fifth ring.”

The timing of James’ bold pitch could not have been more calculated. Just 72 hours prior, the Warriors had executed a blockbuster trade, sending Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that freed up a staggering $62 million in salary cap space. The move, initially seen as a strategic financial adjustment, now appears to have been a precursor to something far more seismic.

Inside LeBron’s Unprecedented Proposal

Sources with access to internal discussions revealed that James laid out a meticulously structured plan to facilitate his transition to the Bay Area. Among the key details:

• A Sign-and-Trade with the Lakers: Rather than leaving the Lakers outright in free agency, James proposed a cooperative sign-and-trade arrangement, ensuring his former team receives compensation while allowing Golden State to acquire him without gutting their roster.
• A Massive Financial Sacrifice: In an almost unheard-of concession, James—who is set to earn $47.6 million next season—offered to slash his salary to just $9.5 million, an 80% reduction. This would allow the Warriors to maintain financial flexibility while assembling a superteam.
• A Multi-Year Commitment: Far from a short-term rental, James reportedly assured Dunleavy that he intends to play at least two full seasons at Chase Center, providing stability alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

“This isn’t about money,” James allegedly emphasized during the call. “I want to play elite basketball beside the greatest guard of this generation.”

NBA World Erupts in Reaction

The ramifications of James’ potential move sent immediate ripples across the league, with players, analysts, and fans scrambling to process the implications.

• Stephen Curry, currently competing at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament, offered a measured response when approached by reporters: “I haven’t received any official confirmation yet, but obviously, LeBron is one of the all-time greats.” His tone, however, suggested he was well aware of the discussions.
• Draymond Green, never one to shy away from bold statements, took to X (formerly Twitter) with a cryptic yet telling post: “🤯… Anything is possible.”
• Analysts Weigh In: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, a longtime LeBron insider, did not mince words: “If this happens, we’re looking at the most terrifying offensive duo in NBA history. Curry and James sharing the floor would be an absolute nightmare for defenses.”

Major Obstacles Stand in the Way

Despite the tantalizing prospect of a James-Curry partnership, league insiders caution that significant hurdles remain before this deal can materialize. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) experts highlighted three critical challenges:

1. Lakers’ Cooperation: For a sign-and-trade to proceed, the Lakers would need to willingly engage with the Warriors—a scenario that is far from guaranteed, given the historic rivalry between the franchises.
2. Salary Cap Complexities: Even with James’ willingness to take a pay cut, the NBA’s intricate cap rules could complicate the Warriors’ ability to structure the deal without sacrificing additional assets.
3. LeBron’s Age: At 39—and turning 40 in December—James’ long-term durability remains a legitimate concern, especially given the Warriors’ emphasis on sustained championship contention.

What Comes Next?

As of now, Warriors management has remained publicly silent, but multiple sources indicate that the front office is “seriously considering this unprecedented offer.” If Golden State decides to move forward, negotiations with the Lakers would need to accelerate quickly, as the free agency window continues to narrow.

Perhaps the most intriguing subplot in this saga is the future of the Warriors’ famed core. With Klay Thompson’s free agency still unresolved and Draymond Green’s role evolving, the potential addition of LeBron James could mark the definitive end of the Curry-Thompson-Green era—or the beginning of an even more dominant dynasty.