LeBron James For Jimmy Butler? Bill Simmons Thinks It Should Happen

LeBron James will forever be linked to the Golden State Warriors, given his personal history of going toe-to-toe with Steph Curry and Draymond Green in four consecutive Finals series. But now, one analyst is proposing a trade that would land James right in the middle of the Bay Area.

For Bill Simmons, an LBJ trade for one of Golden State's current stars makes all the sense in the world. Spoiler: This star is not the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made.

"LeBron for Jimmy Butler. That's it," Simmons said on a recent episode of his self-titled podcast. "It feels like a for-the-good-of-the-sport trade."

Simmons went on to explain how this blockbuster deal could spice things up in the NBA. "The Warriors are not fun. I don't see a scenario where they become fun. But now, you put LeBron on the team with Curry. LeBron invigorates."

From a physical standpoint, the start of James' 2025-26 campaign has certainly not been the best way that he has ever kicked off a season in his 23-year career. According to Simmons, LBJ (who just turned 41 on Tuesday) could get an extra pep in his step if he gets the opportunity to team up with his longtime hardcourt adversary Curry.

As for Butler, Simmons thinks that he is a more suitable fit with the backcourt stars of the purple and gold squad. "Butler is probably a better fit with Luka and Reaves, anyway," the founder of The Ringer commented.

Simmons added that, between the two teams, Golden State is more likely to push for the trade. Why is that? "LeBron is an expiring contract at the end of the year. Maybe they'd throw him one more year."

In addition to the points that Simmons raised, the Warriors have more ground to cover in terms of climbing the standings. Golden State is currently above .500 with a 17–16 record, but they have struggled to string together multiple wins and make serious noise along with the other powerhouses in the Western Conference.

James, though, has never been traded in his career. Will the Lakers, a franchise that won its 17th NBA title with LBJ at the helm in 2020, make history by dealing the King for Butler? That's certainly a possibility with a month and a half to go before the trade deadline.