NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported there have been conversations around the league about LeBron James revisiting Warriors trade talks. The Dubs had reportedly inquired about LeBron at the 2024 NBA trade deadline, but the Lakers star had no interest in a move to the Bay Area.

Windhorst gave insights on the matter after co-analyst Michael Wilbon suggested the Warriors, who had lost five of their last six games, needed a major trade to contend, and LeBron could be a good pickup.

“I would be lying if I said that there hasn’t been conversations in the league, ‘would LeBron at some point this year, like revisit that [trade talks with Warriors],” he said. Remember, last year at the trade deadline, the Warriors called.”

Windhorst then predicted the chances of LeBron asking for a trade to the Warriors and the logistics of a potential move.

“Any trade that the Warriors make is going to be complicated. They have only $500,000 they’re allowed to spend more this season …, ” Windhorst said. “Any trade they make, they really can’t take on more money. Guess what? The Lakers are not allowed to take on any money because they are in the first apron.”

Both teams cannot take additional money in trades, so the Warriors will have to trade as much salary as LeBron James earns with the Lakers this year, amounting to $48.7 million. Brian Windhorst said this makes a potential deal possible if LeBron wants the trade.

However, Windhorst also pointed out that the four-time MVP could have left LA at various junctures over the past 10 months, including the trade deadline and in the offseason, when he re-signed in free agency on a two-year $101.3 million contract. That makes it difficult to see LeBron James wanting a trade now. He also has the power to veto a trade, as his contract has a no-trade clause.

Acquiring LeBron James in a trade is potentially a lose-lose deal for the Warriors

While signing LeBron James seems like a lucrative option, it doesn’t necessarily make the Warriors instant contenders. The 39-year-old has seemingly slowed down in his 22nd season. Meanwhile, Steph Curry is also not performing close to what he was producing in his prime.

Putting both superstars on the team would mean the Warriors would lose significant depth and young assets. Their chances of rebuilding with a younger core will diminish, while a championship may be out of their sights as they won’t have enough flexibility to add a reliable supporting cast.

Most successful teams in the NBA are thriving off young talent and depth. That has ended the ceiling that superteams once boasted in the league. The Warriors would be no different if they added LeBron James at this age, especially with the seeming regression in his two-way ability.