As the dog days of the NBA offseason roll in, trade speculation persists, with mock trades continually being drummed up. Bleacher Report’s Connor Thoms recently laid out the framework for a deal that would reunite Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James with two of his ex-co-stars.
James’ future has been one of the summer’s hottest storylines since he opted into his $52.6 million player option for next season. While James’ agent, Rich Paul, has hinted his client could be open to a move to improve his chances of contending for his fifth NBA championship, he hasn’t requested a trade.
Nevertheless, the idea of James being dealt for the first time ahead of his historic 23rd season has captivated fans and the media alike.
How Can the Blockbuster Deal Involving LeBron James and the Mavericks Take Shape?
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report’s “NBA Show” did a segment titled “Wild NBA Trade Ideas.” Among the more realistic proposals was LA shipping James to the Dallas Mavericks for a haul of complementary players and a first-round draft pick.
The hypothetical move would allow Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić to reconnect with several of his former Mavericks teammates after being unexpectedly traded by Dallas in early February.
On the flip side, James would reconvene with his ex-Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers co-stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, respectively. The 40-year-old would also receive the opportunity to mentor 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
“Another LeBron trade, him going to the Dallas Mavericks, which is the funniest possible outcome,” Thoms said. “If there was a world where LeBron gets dealt over to Dallas, you basically make the Lakers 2.0 if you bring in LeBron James for the package I put together, which is one of the only ways you can trade for LeBron if you’re Dallas, to make the money work.”
“It is P.J. Washington, it’s Daniel Gafford, Klay [Thompson], Jaden Hardy, and a first-round pick. I know it’s a lot of guys to throw in this deal, but Dallas is so deep that this trade really doesn’t mess them up all that much if you take a look at their roster still, behind LeBron, Kyrie Irving when he returns, Anthony Davis.
“You kind of just form that Big 3 of LeBron James’ good teammates from the last decade of his career, his best teammates. You keep Cooper Flagg there, and you roll out a supersized lineup.”
As Thoms alluded to, James has experienced immense success alongside Irving and Davis, winning the 2016 and 2020 titles, respectively. As such, having a chance to create another superteam, once Irving returns from his torn left ACL, could entice James.
Meanwhile, LA could recoup depth and fortify its defense in fear of losing the 21-time All-Star in free agency next offseason.
Are the Mavericks Expected To Pursue James?
Despite the rampant speculation, NBA insider Rachel Nichols has since reported that the “Mavericks do not want LeBron James” and “have messaged that out through multiple reporters.” Nichols added that she “thinks that door is closed.”
Thus, the idea of Dallas going all in on the 2025-26 campaign by landing one of the league’s biggest names appears to be nothing more than a pipe dream.
