Stephen Curry-LeBron James dream partnership could finally become reality

The Golden State Warriors may finally have a realistic pathway to sign LeBron James, but doing so could depend heavily on the future of injury-hit big man Kristaps Porzingis.

According to NBA insider Tim Bontemps, the Warriors could use their non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE) as a financial mechanism to pursue the NBA’s all-time leading scorer if James decides he wants to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.

Speaking on The Hoop Collective, Bontemps outlined a scenario in which Golden State could offer James a deal worth roughly $15 million through the NTMLE.

Such a move would require the four-time NBA champion to accept a substantial pay cut, something that could become a possibility if he prioritises competing for another title over maximising earnings.

However, the Warriors’ ability to make such an offer depends on remaining below the NBA’s first luxury tax apron.

That is where Porzingis enters the equation.

The Latvian forward’s contract situation could determine whether Golden State retains the financial flexibility needed to chase James. If Porzingis re-signs on a team-friendly deal worth less than $25 million next season, the Warriors could potentially stay under the apron and preserve access to the NTMLE.

Golden State therefore faces a delicate balancing act: retain a talented but injury-prone Porzingis while keeping enough financial room available to pursue one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Porzingis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks during a limited 15-game campaign. His season was severely disrupted by injuries and health complications, including a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which affected both his availability and performance.

The health concerns are expected to influence his value in free agency, with many teams likely hesitant to offer a lengthy, high-value contract despite his proven ability when healthy.

That uncertainty could work in Golden State’s favour.

A shorter-term contract in the region of $7.5 million to $15 million annually could allow the Warriors to keep Porzingis while maintaining the financial flexibility needed to pursue James.

The prospect of pairing James with Stephen Curry has long fascinated basketball fans and executives alike. The two superstars have repeatedly spoken about their mutual respect, while James also shares a close friendship with Warriors forward Draymond Green.

For years, speculation about James joining Golden State has surfaced whenever his future with the Lakers has come into question. Until now, however, there has rarely been a realistic financial path to make such a move possible.

Whether James would actually accept a significant pay cut remains the biggest obstacle. But if he is willing to prioritise another championship run, the Warriors may finally have a legitimate opportunity to bring one of the game’s greatest players to the Bay Area.

For Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., the blueprint appears clear. The challenge now will be executing it without sacrificing roster depth or long-term flexibility.