The NBA offseason is heating up, and the Golden State Warriors are poised to make a seismic splash that could reshape the league. With teams across the NBA bolstering their rosters, the Warriors have no reason to sit idly by. Rumors are swirling that the Dubs are contemplating a jaw-dropping trade: sending Jimmy Butler to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for the historic father-son duo of LeBron James and Bronny James, a deal that could carry a staggering $109 million price tag.

A Blockbuster in the Making
According to ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett, the Warriors made waves earlier this season by acquiring Butler in a trade that sent Dennis Schroder, Lindy Waters, Kyle Anderson, Andrew Wiggins, and a protected first-round pick to Miami. Butler seamlessly integrated into Golden State’s system, fueling their best stretch of the 2024-25 season. However, the prospect of landing LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and his son Bronny, the league’s first-ever father-son tandem, has the Warriors’ front office buzzing.
LeBron, who recently opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, remains a force at 40. Averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, he continues to dominate with his high-IQ play and versatility. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry, the greatest three-point shooter in history, is still lighting it up with 24.5 points, 6.0 assists, and a scorching 39.7% from beyond the arc. Pairing these two legends—after years of iconic NBA Finals battles—would create a spectacle unlike any other.
Why Consider the Trade?
At first glance, swapping Butler for James seems like a lateral move. Both are elite forwards with similar skill sets, but James edges out Butler with his superior playmaking and scoring prowess. However, Butler, younger and under team control for longer, offers stability. So why entertain this deal? The answer lies in legacy and marketability.

A Curry-James partnership would be a cultural phenomenon, uniting two of the NBA’s biggest icons. Add in Bronny James, and the Warriors would make history with the league’s first father-son duo. Fans would flock to see this trio, making the Warriors must-see TV in 2025-26. As Bassett notes, “Fans would remember decades from now when the all-time leading scorer teamed up with the all-time leading three-point shooter.”
The Risks and Rewards
The trade isn’t without risks. LeBron’s $52.6 million contract, combined with Bronny’s rookie deal, pushes the financial stakes sky-high. From a roster-building perspective, Butler’s fit with Golden State’s system is proven, while integrating LeBron and Bronny could disrupt chemistry. Additionally, Bronny, still developing, is far from a guaranteed contributor.
Yet, the rewards could be monumental. Curry’s lethal shooting paired with LeBron’s elite facilitation would create a nightmare for defenses. The Warriors, already a playoff contender, could solidify their status as championship favorites with James’ postseason pedigree. While a title isn’t guaranteed, this move would significantly boost their odds of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June 2026.
The Door Is Open
Surprisingly, LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, has hinted at openness to a trade, a rare opportunity for the Warriors to pounce. Golden State’s front office must act swiftly to capitalize on this window. With other teams making aggressive moves, standing pat is not an option for a franchise with championship aspirations.
A Legacy-Defining Move
The Warriors have a chance to make history—not just by winning, but by creating a narrative that transcends basketball. Trading Butler for LeBron and Bronny James would be a bold, unthinkable gamble, but one that could cement Golden State’s place in NBA lore. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Dubs to see if they pull the trigger on this blockbuster.