Potential NBA Superteams Inspired by the Olympics: Could Curry, LeBron, KD, and Anthony Edwards Join Forces?

The Olympics are not only a place where countries compete for gold medals, but they’re also a breeding ground for NBA superteams. When elite players come together for an international competition, friendships and bonds are formed, creating the perfect opportunity for NBA fans to start dreaming about the next big superteam.

In the 2008 Olympics, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh hatched a plan to team up in Miami, a partnership that resulted in two NBA championships for the Miami Heat. Similarly, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Andre Iguodala bonded during the 2010 FIBA World Cup before coming together to win championships with the Golden State Warriors. These historical moments prove that when NBA stars spend time together on Team USA, it’s not just about winning gold; it’s about creating lifelong bonds that could eventually reshape the NBA.

Now, fresh off Team USA’s latest Olympic victory, NBA fans and analysts are already speculating about the superteams that could form in the aftermath of the games. Here are a few of the most intriguing possibilities.

1. Steph Curry and LeBron James Teaming Up

One of the most exciting potential superteams revolves around two of the NBA’s biggest icons: Steph Curry and LeBron James. Fans have long speculated about what would happen if these two basketball legends played together, and now it seems like the idea isn’t so far-fetched.

Reports have surfaced that Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob tried to trade for LeBron during the 2023 NBA trade deadline, which shows that the Warriors are open to the idea of bringing LeBron on board. Meanwhile, LeBron’s future with the Lakers is uncertain, with the team struggling despite having two of the top four players from the Olympics—LeBron and Anthony Davis.

While both players have previously clashed, especially during the 2015-2018 NBA Finals when their teams faced off four consecutive times, their relationship has evolved over the years. They’ve shared moments of camaraderie, most notably their iconic “night-night” celebration, and there’s no denying that the respect between the two is mutual. A trade sending LeBron to the Warriors or Steph to the Lakers might be unlikely, but it’s fun to imagine these two legends working together on a team that would instantly become the most talked-about squad in NBA history.

2. Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards: A Rising Bromance

Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards have developed a close bond during their time on Team USA, and their mutual respect has sparked rumors of a potential superteam featuring the two. Durant, a seasoned veteran and one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, took young Edwards under his wing during the Olympics, even helping him refine his jump shot. Their chemistry was undeniable, and fans couldn’t help but notice the dynamic between the two.

Edwards, who idolized Durant as a child, made it clear during the Olympics that he looked up to the veteran star. In fact, Edwards attended his first NBA game when Durant was playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, and now, 15 years later, he’s playing alongside his childhood hero.

The idea of Durant joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Edwards currently plays, may sound unrealistic, especially considering the salary cap constraints. However, with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement making it harder for teams over the second apron to make trades, there’s a slim possibility of a deal. More likely, Durant and Edwards may have to wait until free agency or orchestrate a trade through a third team with available cap space.

If Durant does end up in Minnesota, it would undoubtedly elevate the Timberwolves to contender status. Edwards’ youth, athleticism, and energy would perfectly complement Durant’s experience and scoring prowess. This pairing could become one of the NBA’s most exciting duos, especially if they can recreate the chemistry they had during the Olympics on an NBA court.

3. Durant Returning to the Warriors?

While the Durant-Edwards partnership is an exciting possibility, there’s also speculation that Durant might return to a familiar place: the Golden State Warriors. Durant’s time with the Warriors was marked by overwhelming success, with the team winning two championships and going 16-1 in the 2017 playoffs, widely regarded as one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history.

Since leaving Golden State in 2019, Durant’s career has been somewhat tumultuous. His stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns have been riddled with injuries and dysfunction. Even Durant’s mother has publicly admitted that Durant and the Warriors could have won numerous more titles had he stayed with the team.

With the Warriors facing struggles of their own and Durant reminiscing about his time with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry during the Olympics, a reunion could be on the horizon. Durant returning to Golden State would not be seen as a move to form an unbeatable superteam like it was in 2016; instead, it would be a strategic move to rescue a team that’s currently on the decline. A Durant-Curry partnership would undoubtedly bring the Warriors back into the championship conversation and validate the success they had together during their previous run.

4. The Heat as a Third-Team Wild Card

While the Curry-LeBron and Durant-Edwards partnerships seem like the most likely superteam scenarios to emerge from the Olympics, there’s another team that could come into play: the Miami Heat. Players who spent time on Team USA also built bonds with Bam Adebayo, and Erik Spoelstra served as an assistant coach for the team.

The Heat have long been a popular destination for stars looking to team up, thanks to their culture, South Beach location, and a winning tradition. If any of the stars mentioned—Curry, LeBron, Durant, or Edwards—were to find themselves at a crossroads in their careers, Miami could be an appealing landing spot.

Conclusion: The Olympics as a Superteam Incubator

While it’s fun to speculate about potential superteams, history has shown us that these Olympic experiences can lead to real-life NBA partnerships. Whether it’s Curry and LeBron finally playing together, Durant teaming up with Edwards, or another All-Star duo forming, the bonds formed during international competition often carry over into the NBA.

As the NBA offseason unfolds and players reflect on their Olympic experience, we could very well see the seeds of the next superteam planted in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Whether it’s on the court or behind closed doors at dinner parties, these relationships have the potential to shape the future of the NBA, just as they did in 2008 with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh.