NBA coach rankings: Familiar face lands at top heading into 2018-19 season

The Golden State Warriors only ended up making one small deal at the trade deadline, but they tried to make a mega deal as they inquired with the Los Angeles Lakers on a trade for LeBron James.

Draymond Green made the initial push to the team’s ownership and management, before also consulting Rich Paul, who represents both Green and James. Joe Lacob had a conversation with Jeanie Buss about the idea. Buss told Lacob that the Lakers had no desire to trade James, but referred the Warriors to discuss it directly with James’ representation.

James and Paul said that he preferred to remain with the Lakers. Rob Pelinka also confirmed that the team had no desire to trade their superstar.

One notable aspect is that these trade discussions started with the teams’ owners. That indicates a level of seriousness that is generally not present in initial conversations. The other notable thing is that the Lakers left the decision up to James on whether or not trade talks should happen.

The Warriors could revisit their pursuit of James in the offseason as he holds a $51.4 million player option.