"Keep an eye on the summer of 2026" - ESPN insider reveals how LeBron James and Stephen Curry can become NBA teammates

Team USA’s star-studded roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics allowed the world to officially see LeBron James and Stephen Curry on the same side for a change. Well, as expected, the dynamic duo didn’t disappoint and gave a plethora of memorable moments during the competition.

However, the Avengers' run is over, with Team USA taking home the gold medal, No. 17 in the Olympics. The next time when Steph and LeBron meet in the NBA, they will be on different teams.

But what if the legendary stars can officially play for the same team in the Association? After all, they completed each other’s games during the Olympics, and as ridiculous as it may sound, there is a possibility of this happening in the future.

ESPN Insider reveals a path for LeBron and Steph to become teammates

LeBron and Steph are in the final stages of their respective NBA careers. The Lakers star is currently on a two-year deal with the organization, while Curry has two years left as well. Keeping that in mind, they will essentially become free agents in the summer of 2026.

ESPN insider Bobby Marks elaborated on why the summer of 2026 could mean fans finally seeing Curry and Bron play together in the NBA as well.

“I think the big thing to keep an eye on is the summer of 2026,” Marks said. “Steph Curry has two years left on his contract, he has an ability to sign an extension. He could become a free agent also. So, certainly LeBron next offseason or potentially the summer of 2026 when both could be free agents.”

Considering James has a player option for the 2025-26 season, he could become a free agent in the summer of 2025 as well. However, in order to join Curry and the Warriors next season, the King will have to sacrifice more than $50 million. Thus, the option of potentially signing with the Dubs in 2026 seems like a better financial option for James.

Related: "I am more disappointed today than I was back when I was not selected" -Isiah Thomas on handshake snub as the reason he didn't make the Dream Team

The Curry-Bron duo destroyed opponents

Thanks to the Cavaliers-Warriors rivalry during the 2010s, the dynamic duo played against each other for four consecutive years in the NBA Finals, which increased the league’s popularity through the roof.

However, it was great to see the two superstars play for Team USA. As expected, they were a force to be reckoned with. Adding Kevin Durant to the mix made USAB nearly unstoppable .

They finished their Team USA stint with a poetic ending as Chef's long range bomb essentially won the gold medal game for the nation, while The King won the Olympics MVP at 39 years old.

Related: “An absolutely terrible shot for every other person in the world” - Mike Greenberg crowns Steph Curry’s golden dagger vs. France as the most memorable shot in history