Where could Steph Curry and LeBron James play together in a potential merger?

The idea of ​​Steph Curry and LeBron James teaming up in the NBA has long been a tantalizing “what if” scenario for basketball fans. Despite being fierce rivals on the court for over a decade, the thought of these two iconic players joining forces is tantalizing.

Recently, ESPN’s “NBA Today” team delved into this intriguing topic, discussing the feasibility, possible timelines and potential destinations where this dynamic duo could reunite.

The idea of ​​Curry and James playing together isn’t entirely far-fetched. Fans even got a taste of what that might look like during Team USA’s run to Olympic gold. It was a thrill to see them on the same side, rather than as opponents, leading many to wonder what it would be like if they joined forces in the NBA.

In April, LeBron said that if he could play with one NBA player right now, he would choose Steph Curry. Make it happen @KingJames photo.twitter.com/zoQ4tviyBU

— jose ☔️ (@KlayForTrey) February 6, 2023

Despite the allure, however, there are several factors that make this partnership unlikely, including their ages — Curry is 36 and James is 39 — and the significant financial implications such a move would entail. Still, as ESPN’s analysts noted, the possibility, while remote, is still worth exploring, especially during the quieter moments of the NBA offseason.

ESPN’s NBA front office insider Bobby Marks identified the 2026 offseason as a key time when a Curry-James partnership could become possible. By then, both players’ current contracts will have expired, potentially clearing the way for them to align on their next moves. There’s a major caveat, however: James would be 41 years old by then, and the physical toll of another three seasons could make that scenario unrealistic.

Given these considerations, Marks suggested that an earlier timeline might be more feasible. “LeBron James signed a two-year contract this offseason, and with that contract there’s a player option,” Marks noted. “He can become a free agent again next offseason and pick his team where he would like to go.” However, this move would likely require James to leave a significant amount of money on the table, as Marks added: “That obviously involves probably leaving $50 million on the table to go to a team like Golden State and join Steph Curry.”

Longtime Warriors critic Kendrick Perkins offered a different perspective, suggesting that a Curry-James partnership could happen sooner than expected. Perkins suggested that the Lakers and Warriors could explore trade opportunities involving either James or Curry as early as the 2024-25 NBA season.

Marks echoed this sentiment, stating that both Curry and James may find it increasingly difficult to win another NBA title on their own. Teaming up may be their only realistic way to secure a fifth championship ring.

Which NBA club could be the destination of this wild fantasy: the Lakers or the Warriors?

While the timing is crucial, the question of where this partnership could take place is equally intriguing. Panelist Andraya Carter named the Los Angeles Lakers as the most likely destination.

“I know Steph Curry wants to end his career as a Warrior,” Carter admitted, “but for me it would be a great ending if he went to L.A. (and) brought a championship with LeBron to the legendary organization and franchise that the Lakers are.” Carter emphasized the strength of the Lakers’ supporting cast around James as a key factor in making Los Angeles a more attractive option.

However, not all analysts agreed with Carter’s assessment. Tim Legler, another member of the “NBA Today” crew, argued that Golden State would be the most logical setting for such a partnership.

“The chemistry is there personally… but their games also mesh,” Legler explained. “If it happens, I think it has to be in Golden State. I think Steph Curry wants to be that guy who wears one uniform his entire career, but he would welcome that type of talent to give him a chance to continue to compete at this level.”

While the idea of ​​Curry and James joining forces is undoubtedly exciting, it’s important to remember that these discussions are speculative at best. The NBA’s age, contract situations, and competitive dynamics make such a partnership unlikely. However, as ESPN analysts noted, following their successful Olympic run, the possibility of a Curry-James team-up is now more conceivable than ever before.

Ultimately, the idea of ​​these two basketball legends sharing the court for an entire NBA season remains an entertaining fantasy that fans will continue to dream about as long as the idea lives.