The possibility that LeBron James might join his long-time rival, the Golden State Warriors, created a fuss in and around the NBA. Earlier, Chris Haynes of ESPN reported that James will listen to the Warriors’ pitch in case he turns free agent in the summer. According to Haynes, James will meet with the Warriors if they have enough salary cap space to give him a maximum deal. While others have taken the report seriously, Warriors superstar Kevin Durant isn't on the same page.

However, Durant clarified that anything could happen in the NBA, saying that the idea of him signing with the Warriors last season was far-fetched, but it materialized.

“We know there’s business as well and a lot of crazy things have happened since I’ve been in the league. In the future there’s gonna be even crazier things that are going to happen,” Durant said.

Last season, Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder and joined the Warriors in search of an NBA championship ring. Durant was heavily criticized for his decision, with some Thunder fans branding him as a “snake.” However, Durant’s decision paid off as they beat James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games as the Warriors won their second NBA trophy in the last three years.

Durant must sacrifice anew for James

To acquire James, Durant would have to take less money than the $25 million that he’s earning this season.

Last season, Durant sacrificed $9 million, signing just a two-year deal worth $53 million for the Warriors to ink Stephen Curry to a maximum five-year contract worth $201 million. Durant’s generosity also enabled the Warriors to sign key pieces such as Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, Zaza Pachulia, and David West. However, it will be a question mark if Durant would agree to another pay cut.

Warriors can get James via sign-and-trade

The Warriors must work on a sign-and-trade with the Cavaliers to get James, per Kevin Pelton of ESPN.

The Warriors can trade Klay Thompson and Iguodala to the Cavaliers to match James’ salary. Thompson is scheduled to earn $18.9 million in 2018 while Iguodala will receive $16 million next season in the second year of the three-year contract that he signed with the Warriors in the offseason. Earlier, it was reported that the Warriors will not be able to give Thompson a maximum deal when his contract expires after the 2018-19 season. If this is the case, the Warriors will have no choice but to trade Thompson rather than lose him to free agency without getting anything in return.
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