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Potential LeBron James to Warriors, Jimmy Butler to Lakers Trade Has $57 Million Issue

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 9:44 PM ET

Since arriving in Los Angeles back in 2018, LeBron James has helped redefine the Lakers’ identity, guiding the franchise to its 17th NBA championship in 2020 and adding another Finals MVP to his decorated resume. Even in his 22nd NBA season, the 40-year-old superstar showed little sign of slowing down, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, while shooting 51.3% field goal in 70 games last season, proving that he is still one of the most efficient and durable players in the league.

Still, there has been talks all summer about James’ future and whether his run in purple and gold might be nearing an unexpected end after His agent, Rich Paul, said that James wants to “compete for a championship.”

Later, it was reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that four teams had already reached out to gauge what it might take to pry James away from Los Angeles. A follow-up report from Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson revealed the Golden State Warriors were one of those teams.

That said, McMenamin also noted that there has been no trade discussions between James and the Lakers yet. This stance was confirmed on Wednesday when Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic released an article reinforcing McMenamin’s report.

“LeBron James hasn’t had buyout, trade discussions with Lakers,” they wrote. “Both sides expect that he will be with team for training camp.”

LeBron James hasn’t had buyout, trade discussions with Lakers, both sides expect that he will be with team for training camp. Reporting with ⁦@DanWoikeSports⁩, ⁦@TheAthleticNBA⁩ https://t.co/cJHrBqAg6s
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) July 16, 2025

As it pertains to a potential James to Warriors trade, there is one reason it will not work
— the Lakers do not want to take back Jimmy Butler’s contract.

"The team has been resistant to taking on longer-term contracts in an effort to maintain flexibility," The Athletic wrote. "... if the Lakers were to, hypothetically, trade James to the Golden State Warriors for Jimmy Butler, who is nearly 36, they would have Butler under contract for the 2026-27 season at nearly $57 million."

Of course, while all signs point to James remaining on the team next season, there’s still the possibility that he could walk in free agency next summer or that the Lakers could look to move him midseason—though being traded is something that’s never happened in his legendary career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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