Lakers News: Envisioning a Four-Team Trade to Team Curry with LeBron

The possibility of Stephen Curry joining LeBron James in Los Angeles has sparked significant interest among NBA fans. Recently, Curry's decision to remove the Golden State Warriors from his Instagram bio fueled speculation about a potential trade to the Lakers.

While the Warriors are unlikely to part with one of their biggest stars, the idea of Curry requesting a trade to finish his career alongside James is intriguing.

If the Warriors were to honor such a request, it would likely require a complex multi-team deal to make it work financially.

The Lakers face a challenge in accommodating Curry's hefty $55.8 million salary. They would need to restructure their roster, which currently sits just below the second-apron hard cap of $188.9 million. This means they can’t take back more salary than they send out, complicating the trade scenario.

To facilitate a move, a four-team trade could be necessary. Here’s how it might break down:

Proposed Trade Breakdown :

Lakers Receive:

- Stephen Curry (from Warriors)

- Day'Ron Sharpe (from Nets)

- Wendell Moore Jr. (from Pistons)

- $3.9 million trade exception (from Jalen Hood-Schifino)

Warriors Receive:

- Austin Reaves (from Lakers)

- Ben Simmons (from Nets)

- Two unprotected first-round picks (from Lakers in 2029 and 2031)

- $2.4 million trade exception (from Curry)

Nets Receive:

- D'Angelo Russell (from Lakers)

- Rui Hachimura (from Lakers)

- Gabe Vincent (from Lakers)

- Jalen Hood-Schifino (from Lakers)

- $23.3 million trade exception (from Simmons)

- $2 million trade exception (from Dennis Schröder)

Pistons Receive:

- Dennis Schröder (from Nets)

- Christian Wood (from Lakers)

- Two second-round picks (from Lakers in 2025)

- $4 million (from Lakers)

This trade would be a significant move for the Lakers, giving them the chance to pair two of the league's biggest stars.

However, it would come at a cost, including two unprotected first-round picks and their third-best player, Reaves. The Lakers would be betting on the potential of Curry and James to lead the team effectively in the twilight of their careers.

For the Warriors, trading Curry could provide a fresh start. They would gain valuable draft picks and young talent, allowing them to rebuild for the future. Acquiring Reaves would also add a promising guard to their roster.

The Nets, meanwhile, would be looking to offload Simmons while bringing in younger players like Russell and Hachimura, potentially setting themselves up for a rebuild.

The Pistons would add an experienced backup point guard in Schröder while offloading some salary.

This proposed trade illustrates the complexities involved in NBA transactions, especially when multiple teams are involved.

While the idea of Curry in Los Angeles is exciting, it hinges on many factors, including the willingness of all parties to engage in such a deal.