Steph Curry Planning Meeting With LeBron James About Warriors, Per Insider

James joining Curry at the end of his career would be a box office for the league. But the possibility of pairing has often been played down in the media.

With the uncertainty looming over James’ future with the Lakers, the possibility of him moving to another team, especially to the Warriors, doesn’t seem to be a crazy idea.

This is not the first time that the Warriors have expressed interest in signing LeBron James. Last season, during a mid-season trade, they had inquired if the superstar player was available. However, both the Lakers and James’ agent, Rich Paul, declined the offer.

How can the Golden State Warriors sign LeBron James?

Signing LeBron won’t be easy for the Warriors. While the pairing would sell tickets, James recognizes how the pairing would reflect on his legacy when it’s all said and done.

Once upon a time, the LeBron-Curry rivalry defined the NBA, and joining Stephen Curry in Golden State might not be a good look for the superstar.  

But if he does join the Warriors, the easiest way they can sign LeBron would be with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. As per the rule, the Warriors would get $15 million in the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. They can use it to pursue the Lakers star. 

James received $52.6 million from his last year’s contract with the Lakers. He is not expected to take a big pay cut even at age 41. $15 million would still be a big cut for James. 

One of the other ways the Warriors can sign him is through a sign-and-trade. The Lakers can sign him for a higher salary and then trade him to the Warriors. That way, they can pay him more. However, that would mean that they would have to trade Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, or Draymond Green. 

Unfortunately, that also seems like a long shot.

None of those players would be of interest to the Lakers. Butler tore his Achilles earlier this season, and Porzingis’ illness would already make him a less interesting trade piece.

Moreover, while Green showed elite defensive caliber during the Play-In Tournament against the Clippers, he is not the same championship-caliber defender anymore.