How the Dallas Mavericks Can Capitalize Off LeBron James’ Free Agency

4. Boston Celtics

The Celtics are at the top of the secondary suitors list. The Rockets, Cavaliers, Lakers, and 76ers appear to be in the lead for James at the current time, but there are several teams immediately behind the first four that have a shot. The Celtics come to mind first. Danny Ainge is the best general manager in basketball, and would not have any trouble coming up with a way to get James to town.

The Celtics already have a lot of money on the books. Between the contracts of Gordon Hayward, Al Horford and Kyrie Irving, Boston is right up against the wall financially already, and needs to pony up cash for eventual extensions for Jaylen Brown and later Jayson Tatum. Marcus Smart is a restricted free agent, but it appears as though Semi Ojeleye is ready to replace him in the rotation. Boston would have to do some creative cap-ology in order to fit LeBron James in.

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Jaylen Brown could be the first out of town. An extension for Brown looks like it is going to be tough for Ainge considering the money already being handed out to both Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum already ahead of him on the small forward depth chart. While Brown spends plenty of time at shooting guard, he is best suited as a small forward and is seeing his role diminish more and more over time.

The Mavs even have a shot for Brown on the table already as the Celtics may be looking to make a move up for Mohamed Bamba on draft night.

The Mavs could trade all the way down to number 27 and acquire Jaylen Brown in the process. But if LeBron James heads to Boston, there is even the possibility that Kyrie Irving could be forced out of town. It is hard to see a financial path for Ainge if he hopes to keep Irving. He is entering a contract year next year and has already been rumored to be interested in bolting for New York.

While Dennis Smith Jr. has potential, Kyrie Irving is on another level. Any possible trade would have to absolutely blow the Celtics away, but it is not something to ignore as LeBron takes his various free agency meetings.

Next: 5. Miami Heat