LeBron James didn’t come back to Cleveland. So what about the other Kid From Akron? That guy who tormented the Cavaliers in multiple NBA Finals all those years ago.
The 2026 offseason has fallen to a complete silence for Cleveland. James, the league’s oldest player, was the top priority. The Cavs waited and waited some more only for James to choose the rival Philadelphia 76ers. So where do the Cavs go now?
Star point guard James Harden remains unsigned, and the Cavs have yet to make a single free agency signing or trade this offseason. With the Eastern Conference now appearing massively improved, the Cavs need to make some moves if they want to at least get back to where they were to finish last season, which was the conference finals.
The Dream Cavaliers Trade Scenario That Lands Steph Curry
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 05, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Warriors 115-104. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Now imagine discussing a Steph Curry to Cleveland trade back in 2017. Back then, it was borderline impossible. Today, it still sounds whacky because of all the history. But the idea certainly is a lot less unfathomable than it once was. Curry, who turns 39 next season, may not ask out of Golden State, and the Warriors may want to hold on to him until the cows come home. But if Curry, an Ohio native, wants a homecoming before hanging up his sneakers, there is a way to make it happen.
In an hypothetical scenario, the Cavs pick up the phone and dial up the Warriors and Pistons to discuss a stunning three-team trade that sends Curry, a 12-time All-Star, to Cleveland. Here’s a proposed framework.
Cavs receive: Steph Curry
Warriors receive: James Harden (via sign-and-trade; three-year, $119.5 million contract), Jarrett Allen, two first round picks (via CLE) and two second round picks (via DET)
Pistons receive: Dennis Schroder
It is important to reiterate that this trade is purely hypothetical and intended as a fun suggestion that gets Curry to the Cavs for an opportunity to win a fifth championship while playing close to home.
So why might all three teams agree to this deal?
Why Cleveland, Golden State and Detroit Does the Deal
For Golden State, trading Curry would only happen if the four-time champion and two-time NBA MVP, asked to be moved. If he did, this trade framework is a legal and fun suggestion that pairs Curry with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley while the Warriors get back two stars and a haul of draft picks.
For Cleveland, here would be the best chance to get back to the NBA Finals without James. Curry may be aging and facing an uptick in injury trouble, but he is a walking 30 points and nine 3-pointers. The East may have gotten better this offseason, especially the Sixers, but the Curry-led Cavs would instantly garner recognition as a top title-contender.
Meanwhile, the Pistons re-acquire Schroder in this deal, giving ascending superstar point guard Cade Cunningham a secondary ball-handler.
Now, for the reality check.
It is highly unlikely that Curry, who has an implicit no-trade clause in his contract, requests a trade, according to recent reports. Even less likely that he gets traded to Cleveland of all places. But crazier things have happened in the NBA.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Curry, who is entering his 18th season, is expected to continue his career in Golden State.
“Curry remains committed to the Warriors amid all the noise about what direction the franchise will go, and all signs currently point to him putting pen to paper on a new contract extension sometime in September,” Siegel reported.
Maybe Curry gives it one more season in the Bay. Most fans are telling him not to, but it appears Curry may want to give the Warriors another chance to prove they can assemble a title-contending roster around him.
But if the 2026-27 season plays out like the previous one for Curry and the Warriors, things may get highly interesting.
Cavaliers Trade Pitch Lands Steph Curry in Major 3-Team Deal for James Harden