Timberwolves could make blockbuster trade for Lakers' $101 million four-time NBA champion

The Los Angeles Lakers' 40-year-old superstar LeBron James is involved in trade rumors after his agent, Rich Paul, commented following James' decision to opt into his $52.6 million contract. Paul stated James wants to win another title before retiring and will evaluate what's best for his career at this stage.

While the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't seen as a popular destination for the four-time NBA champion, ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett believes a trade could happen. Bassett notes the Timberwolves, having lost in the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons, need a player to push them over the top. He highlights James' extensive conference finals experience (12 appearances, 10 wins) and his knowledge of reaching the NBA Finals – something Minnesota has never achieved.

Bassett references a rumored trade package previously discussed for Kevin Durant involving Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, either Terrence Shannon Jr. or Rob Dillingham, and a draft pick. He suggests acquiring the 40-year-old James might cost less. Bassett argues pairing James with Anthony Edwards makes sense, pointing out Minnesota extended Naz Reid, drafted Joan Beringer, brought back Julius Randle, seems ready to move Gobert, and covets another star to share Edwards' offensive burden. He also notes the Lakers' desperate need for a starting center, making a James-to-Timberwolves trade potentially logical.

The article concludes by noting James hasn't won a title since 2020. Despite expectations of multiple championships when he joined the Lakers in 2018, injuries to key players, coaching errors, and disappointing postseason performances have prevented James and the Lakers from establishing a dynasty.