Thanks to a surprising statement by power agent Rich Paul on the eve of NBA free agency, trade rumors are swirling as media members and fans alike ponder LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers. One team has been linked to James throughout his NBA career: the New York Knicks.
James has not been shy about his affinity for New York City and playing at Madison Square Garden. Could the Knicks shock the NBA by finally bringing James to the Big Apple?
The Athletic’s Fred Katz labeled the Knicks among the potential landing spots for James if the Lakers do indeed explore possible trades for the superstar. New York would have a few different packages the franchise could offer the Lakers. One idea would be the two historic teams swapping stars as the Knicks send the Lakers Karl-Anthony Towns in a “chaotic deal.”
“The most chaotic deal would be flipping All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns for James, straight up — two teams betting on the other’s star,” Katz detailed in a July 2, 2025, story titled, “LeBron James trade fits: Cavs, Warriors, Mavericks and more possibilities.” “Of course, this could leave the Knicks center-less, given Mitchell Robinson’s injury struggles.
“… The Knicks could justify Towns-for-James with a similar financial argument the Clippers could use in a Leonard-for-James one. New York owes Towns $110 million over the next two seasons. The five-time All-Star has a $61 million player option for 2027-28. Meanwhile, the Knicks are at risk of climbing into the second apron next season, a possibility that does not excite them but could be inevitable if they keep their current top five or six together.”
‘The Beginning of LeBron’s Departure From the Lakers Has Begun,’ Says Insider
Aside from acquiring the star power James would bring the Knicks, New York would be moving off of Towns’ expensive four-year, $220 million contract. The deal is slated to run through the 2027-28 season.
To be clear, James has not requested to be dealt and holds a no-trade clause in his contract. Yet, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes James’ eventual “departure from the Lakers has begun.”
“The beginning of LeBron’s departure from the Lakers has begun,” Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland, per RealGM. “That departure could be into retirement. That departure could be another. But another way is on the table. I don’t know how it’s going to play out. I’m not going to pretend how it’s going to play out.
“I have talked to the parties involved. They are not clearly stating their intentions. I am listening very closely.”
Lakers Rumors: Knicks Could Trade for LeBron James While Keeping Karl-Anthony Towns
If the Knicks did pursue James, there are other ways to potentially land the star without dealing Towns. A trade involving some combination of OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges becomes more complicated for the Lakers.
“They could pair a couple of wings, OG Anunoby and either Josh Hart or Mikal Bridges, in a trade for James,” Katz wrote. “They could piece together a trio to offer for James: Anunoby, Robinson and point guard Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride.
“But Anunoby will make $45 million in 2027-28 and has a player option for the following season, which would eat into the Lakers’ possible cap space two summers from now.”
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