Few moments in sports capture attention like a superstar choosing a new team. This past offseason, one big decision stirred up the entire basketball world, and fans everywhere have been talking about it ever since.
Stephen Curry and LeBron James each shaped an entire era of basketball. Their names rarely appear apart in debates about greatness, so any news involving them travels fast. That is why this story deserves attention.
Curry admits some days felt promising
Curry told Marc Spears of ESPN during a recent interview that the Warriors took some shots at landing LeBron James. He also said there were days he really believed it and days he did not.
Curry said that if Golden State sat high on James’ list, the team would have felt that. His answer shows how superstars usually signal real interest long before any final announcement ever arrives in public.
That honesty makes his comments feel refreshing and genuine. Curry did not claim certainty or blame anyone. He simply described a hopeful summer where a living legend stayed in play until the decision finally arrived.
What Curry told SiriusXM about James
Curry also spoke with SiriusXM NBA Radio about the decision earlier this month. He said he is happy for James as a friend and an Olympic teammate. James found somewhere he really wants to be.
Curry said teaming up with James was worth a conversation. A player with James’ profile can pick up the phone anytime. Curry wanted Golden State right in the mix as James picked his landing spot.
Curry’s outside shooting pulls defenders away from the basket and creates driving space for James. Many writers have called them a perfect pairing for years. That fit explains why the idea refused to fade away.
The Jaylen Brown trade changed everything
76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey said Philadelphia would not have landed LeBron James without first acquiring Jaylen Brown. The 76ers officially acquired Brown from Boston on July 6, weeks before James chose Philadelphia.
Gansey said he contacted James’ agent, Rich Paul, immediately after the Brown trade and was told the move “changes some things.” Philadelphia then made a strong recruiting push to add James to its revamped roster.
James joined a group featuring Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. That gives Philadelphia an accomplished veteran core as James begins what he has described as his final NBA chapter.
James returns to the Eastern Conference
James said he believes he can help make Philadelphia a championship team as he begins the final chapter of his NBA career. He turns 42 on December 30, 2026, during the 2026-27 season.
Philadelphia and Golden State are scheduled to meet twice in the regular season. The Warriors host the 76ers on March 24, 2027, before visiting Philadelphia on March 31.
James chose a Philadelphia roster featuring Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey. His stated goal is clear: help the 76ers compete for a championship in what he has described as one last NBA journey.
Curry understands the business side
Curry wanted Golden State to have a chance at landing James and said in July that he would “love to play with him.” He also acknowledged that the Warriors would keep trying to improve their roster if James chose another team.
NBA insider Brett Siegel reported in June that Curry planned to meet with James before free agency to discuss potentially teaming up with the Warriors. Golden State remained interested as James considered his options before ultimately choosing Philadelphia.
Curry later signed a 2-year, $116 million extension with Golden State after being eligible for roughly $136 million. By accepting less than the maximum, Curry helped give the Warriors additional flexibility moving forward.
A rivalry built across four Finals
Curry and James faced each other in 4 consecutive NBA Finals from 2015 through 2018. Golden State won 3 of those series, including a 4-0 sweep of Cleveland in 2018.
Their rivalry continued well beyond those Finals. On January 27, 2024, the Lakers beat Golden State 145-144 in double overtime. Curry scored 46 points, while James made 2 free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining to give Los Angeles the winning margin.
Cameras captured Curry ripping his jersey as he left the court. Afterward, he criticized what he viewed as inconsistent officiating as the Lakers attempted 43 free throws compared with Golden State’s 16.
Golden State chased James before this summer
This chase did not begin this past summer. Golden State inquired about James before the 2024 trade deadline. Both the Lakers and James ultimately closed the door on a possible trade.
Draymond Green reportedly encouraged Warriors ownership to pursue James at that time. Green also helped recruit Kevin Durant to Golden State years earlier. It is unclear whether Curry played any part in that early push.
That history explains why this summer felt different to loyal Warriors fans everywhere. Golden State kept pushing for a long time across two separate seasons. The final answer from James still went the other way.
Mutual respect still defines these two stars
James joked on The Shop years ago that defenders must guard Curry from the moment he arrives at the arena. That respect runs both ways between the two stars. Few rivals ever sound so complimentary.
Curry once called it surreal that James wanted to play with him. He said there was curiosity about what that pairing would look like. This summer showed that curiosity still burns for fans and players.
The Warriors will chase a turnaround while James chases a title in Philadelphia this season. Curry says he is still happy for his friend. Their next meeting should draw plenty of attention from fans everywhere.
Little-known fact: Curry won the 2023 American Century Championship with a final-hole eagle. His handicap dipped as low as plus 3 that summer, which is better than scratch.
TL;DR
- Curry said some days he believed LeBron James might join Golden State.
- Curry says he is happy James found a destination he wanted.
- The Jaylen Brown trade helped make Philadelphia a real destination.
- James and Curry are scheduled to meet twice during the regular season.
- Golden State enters the year trying to bounce back after missing the playoffs.
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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