NBA trade rumors: Bill Simmons proposes LeBron James for Kawhi Leonard

Bill Simmons weighed the trade rumors about LeBron James and proposed a crazy exchange with Leonard. Simmons' mock deal is based on a desirable return for the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, who will receive a $52.6 million expiration contract next season. Leonard is a representative of his city rivals and he still has a two-year contract, and his annual salary will reach $50 million in the 2025-26 season.

Simmons thinks it's a "interesting" idea, but he thinks the Lakers may refuse. Here’s what he shared on this week’s “Bill Simmons Podcast” show:

"They can all stay in Los Angeles. Everyone’s roles have changed slightly. If you’re the Lakers, you have to get out of the weird situation of LeBron. I don’t know if it will change your fate, but at least it can redefine who your team you are. I think the Lakers will say no, but that’s also an interesting question.”

James and Leonard spent eight and seven years in Los Angeles respectively. They were supposed to team up in 2019, but Leonard's attitude towards the Lakers turned a big turn and joined their opponents. James has achieved even greater success, winning the championship in 2020 and reaching the 2023 division final, while Leonard's best result was in the 2021 division final.

He played a key role in the Clippers getting to this point, but missed the game in the series against the Phoenix Suns. Logically, the exchange of two superstars is reasonable and to some extent meets the needs of each team.

The Clippers have a better team, with role players and another veteran star, James Harden. However, it would be better if there was an all-around player like LeBron James, who is 40 years old and has a more useful place than Leonard.

On the other hand, the Lakers need a two-way star next to Doncic. Leonard will be more suitable than James, who overlaps with Doncic.

Bill Simmons' podcast guest believes that the Clippers are better suited to LeBron James than the Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly LeBron James' destination, especially as a buyout candidate. If anything happens, he will be reunited with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. However, Bill Simmons’ podcast guest Rob Mahoney, who said Wednesday, thought the Clippers were more suitable than the Mavericks.

"(He) wants to exert some degree of control over the environment, which is what he should do," Mahoney said of LeBron. "So you're using a flawed, flawed star for another." He could be a player with a contract like Towns, or a player with a very low level, like OG Anunobi, or someone like Leonard, and he's going to face all the problems. ”

LeBron James is still one of the best players in the NBA. If it weren't for the top 15, he would also be in the top 20, which is his 23rd season of his career. However, with the uncertainty of his retirement at the end of each year, many teams are hesitating to eliminate the roster for him.

James' annual salary is $52.6 million, which is a very likely result.

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