Warriors Reportedly Plotting Major Moves! Eyeing Both LeBron and Kawhi to Form a Big Three Contender

As reported on June 12, Beijing time by Warriors media LetsGoWarriors, Golden State is brewing a significant trade plan, aiming to acquire both Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James. Achieving this goal would result in a three-superstar lineup featuring Curry, James, and Leonard.

The acquisition process involves two main steps: first, signing LeBron James using the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception; second, trading away Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, plus two first-round picks in exchange for Kawhi Leonard.

To begin, the Warriors would need to cut approximately $20 million in salary to qualify for the non-taxpayer mid-level exception—a step often overlooked. The simplest way to reduce the tax burden is to renounce free agent Kristaps Porziņģis. While this may seem straightforward on paper, it represents a major decision in practice.

Back in late March, Warriors beat writer Tim Kawakami reported that, for various reasons, either Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James could be willing to accept a non-max contract this summer to join the team, with no trade assets required. Golden State would then land a future Hall of Famer to cap off the Curry era. The possibility of Leonard joining stems from rumors circulating for months: after the league's investigation into the Clippers' salary cap circumvention, Leonard's contract might be ruled void.

Of course, that report is from nearly three months ago. If Leonard's contract remains valid, he can only be acquired via trade.

The biggest issue for this team is aging. LeBron James will soon turn 42, Stephen Curry is already 38, and Kawhi Leonard is approaching 35. Still, for the Warriors, the most realistic roster-building approach at this point might be to orchestrate a "Last Dance"-like run centered around Curry.

In the 2025-26 regular season, Kawhi Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists; LeBron James posted 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists; while Stephen Curry recorded 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.