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Rich Paul Rules Out LeBron-for-Butler Swap, Calls Warriors Proposal 'Not Going to Happen'

Front-office reluctance, contract timing, and age factors keep the Simmons proposal in speculation, not negotiation.

Overview

  • On the Game Over podcast, Rich Paul dismissed a LeBron James–for–Jimmy Butler trade to Golden State, saying, "It's not going to happen."
  • Paul praised Butler's fit and said LeBron "makes basketball sense" anywhere but characterized the chatter as "fantasy basketball."
  • He rejected Draymond Green’s past claim that he blocked Warriors talks involving James, saying he never interfered.
  • Reporting points to Warriors leadership signaling no interest in trading core pieces and to the Lakers prioritizing roster flexibility over a blockbuster.
  • The idea originated with Bill Simmons and was echoed by Max Kellerman, who said the numbers work, yet no active discussions are indicated.