Mavericks should cash in on Cavaliers' LeBron James dream with trade for sharpshooter

LeBron James is not returning to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer in unrestricted free agency. While a move to the Dallas Mavericks could make sense for the right price, Dallas should be looking to capitalize on other moves that the Cleveland Cavaliers are exploring to open an easier path to lure The King back to The Land.

The Cavaliers have real interest in reuniting with James, but some moves need to be made first.

The Mavericks could be the team that helps the Cavs land James

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, "amid LeBron James' impending exit from Los Angeles, sources say the Cavaliers have held ongoing trade conversations regarding veterans Max Strus and Dennis Schröder, which could help Cleveland free the space to add James." Cleveland has been in rumors for the four-time NBA Champion already, but their path to land him won't be easy. This is where the Mavericks come into play, and fans would love it if the team gets involved in this way.

The Cavs need to free up some money if they want to convince one of the greatest players of all time to return to where he began his illustrious career back in 2003, and trading Strus or Schroder would help them pull off the first necessary step in turning their LeBron dream into reality.

Strus is entering the final year of a four-year, $62.3 million deal, and Schroder has two years remaining on his contract. Luckily for Cleveland, the Mavericks have a trade exception from the Anthony Davis trade that could fit either player into it.

Dallas should target Max Strus with their traded player exception

Mavericks fans have wanted Schroder in the past, but in this scenario, Dallas should be targeting Strus. The Mavs still need to add more shooting if they want to have a successful offseason, and this happens to be Strus' specialty.

The 6-foot-5 sharpshooter averaged 11.2 points per game last season while shooting 40.2 percent from three on 6.8 attempts. He's the volume shooter that Dallas needs.

Strus is never afraid to let an open look fly, and his off-ball movement is what creates many of these looks. He doesn't create many looks from long range for himself off the dribble, but he makes teams pay for leaving him open.

The former DePaul Blue Demon doesn't shy away from the big moments, either, and his high motor helps him compete hard on both ends.

Draft capital would make this trade even sweeter

On top of the obvious shooting boost that the Mavericks would acquire by trading for Strus, the Cavs could also throw some draft capital Dallas' way to push the deal through. The Mavs would be providing the Cavaliers with valuable cap relief here. Since Dallas likely wouldn't be sending Cleveland matching salary back, this makes it reasonable for Dallas to ask for draft compensation.

Cleveland has multiple second-round picks and even some first-round picks that they could send to Dallas to absorb Strus' contract, and this would be an ideal situation for the Mavs. Even some first-round pick swaps would be worth it for Dallas, and it would obviously be worth it for the Cavaliers.

LeBron returning to Cleveland would be absolute cinema

Moves along the margins like this would help make it easier for them to pursue James, and if LeBron returns to Cleveland, dumping Strus along with a draft pick would quickly become an afterthought. James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in his 23rd season last season, and the Cavs would be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference again if they sign him.

LeBron going back to the team he spent 11 seasons with would be the storybook ending to a legendary career that NBA fans would love to see, and the Mavs could play a key role in this offseason chapter of his career by taking on Strus' or Schroder's contract.

If Dallas can acquire draft capital while landing an elite volume shooter, helping facilitate James' potential return to the Cavaliers would be a win for all parties involved.

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