It is easy to connect the dots. When the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers, that move put Philadelphia in play for LeBron James. The four-time NBA MVP's agent, Rich Paul, publicly acknowledged as much.
Rich Paul says LeBron WASN’T even considering the 76ers before the Jaylen Brown trade:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 29, 2026
“We never heard from the Sixers because the Sixers never really thought it was even a chance and I talked about why. We talked about other things, obviously I talk to Tyrese all the time. No… https://t.co/rrzbxKHe6q pic.twitter.com/CFfU0TrTqk
Had Boston not rolled the dice, sending a homegrown star to a rival franchise, James would have taken his talents to a team better equipped to help him compete for a championship.
However, there are others, like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who should be kicking themselves for their actions or lack thereof. Another team on that list is the Golden State Warriors.
Passing on Anthony Davis likely cost the Warriors LeBron James
Golden State had the opportunity to reunite the title-winning tandem of James and Davis. It likely would have cost them two first-round picks. That's a price well worth paying to add two stars to help Stephen Curry and Draymond Green finish their careers contending for championships.
Kevin O’Connor throws shots at the Warriors front office for not wanting to trade Jimmy Butler and picks for Anthony Davis 😳
— GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) July 3, 2026
“ There’s no indication that they’re actually going to trade for Anthony Davis, which I think would be a foolish decision, if you can get Anthony Davis… pic.twitter.com/nBDcx2PdsK
It would have been great for the Warriors, NBA fans, and certainly the Celtics if those who run the team in the Bay Area felt they owed it to their franchise stalwarts to make that trade.
Instead, it appears they're putting more stock in trying to build their roster in the post-Curry era. Trying to balance two timelines didn't work out well for them. Yes, Jonathan Kuminga was there when they lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy at Boston's expense in 2022, but he was merely someone who watched with a front-row seat.
Passing on the chance to bring Davis and James to Golden State also seems like a miscalculation.
Not trading for LeBron creates a sad outlook for Stephen Curry
If it would have cost them two first-round picks and Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 selection in this year's NBA Draft, the argument becomes more understandable. However, keeping those future assets directly forces a grim reality on their franchise cornerstone.
It's also fair to question how they would have fared in the playoffs. A Hall of Fame quartet of aging veterans wouldn't earn the status of Western Conference favorites; not with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs positioned as the two best teams across the Association.
It's still a case where they had a chance to get two stars for a heavy discount. Instead, they've chosen an outlook that will have Curry competing in the play-in tournament.
If that's how he finishes his career, or he ends it in another uniform, more will join in on the frustration Celtics fans should have with the Warriors for not landing James when they had a golden opportunity to do so.
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