3 Increasingly realistic trades Mavericks could make for LeBron James

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving is trying to find a way to bring his friend and former teammate LeBron James to Dallas. It is no secret that they want to play together, and there have been rumors about Irving joining the Lakers circulating for months. Kyrie has plans of making it a Big 3 with Luka Doncic in Texas.

Irving is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he would have to take less money to stay in Dallas if LeBron joins the Mavericks. Is he willing to do that? Kyrie took less to play with Kevin Durant and Deandre Jordan in Brooklyn. Why would he not do the same in Dallas?

LeBron has a history of teaming up with his friends, but he is under contract for $46.9 million next season. It would not be easy for the Mavericks to acquire him and keep room for Kyrie, but it is possible.

Trades Dallas Mavericks could make to acquire LeBron James

3. Mavericks' ideal trade to land LeBron

The Mavs have to give up whatever it takes to acquire King James, but they will certainly start with their lowest offer. LeBron has the threat of retiring to use on the Lakers, who would have to decide between entering a total rebuild and trying to piece together a contending roster around Anthony Davis. Consider this the first offer from Dallas.

Los Angeles gets the tenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft plus both of the Mavericks young pieces to start rebuilding their roster. Hardaway Jr. and Bertans are in the deal to match salaries, but the Lakers can likely trade THJ for at least a couple of second-round picks if they decide to rebuild.

Is it enough for arguably the greatest player of all time? No, but it is a starting point. The Lakers likely counter with their ideal offer to get the trade done.

2. Lakers' ideal trade with the Mavericks

The Mavericks have two first-round picks available to trade, including the tenth pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. It cannot technically be moved until draft night, but Dallas is already shopping the pick. Add in the Mavericks' two young players and three role players to match salary and complete this offer. 

The Mavericks should make this trade if the Lakers hold out. This is their chance to get the biggest star in basketball and to form a championship-ready Big 3 in Dallas. They will have to fill out the roster with minimum contracts and owner Mark Cuban must be willing to pay a hefty luxury tax bill, but that is the price of having three of the best players in the world on one roster.

The Lakers get a handful of talented role players and two first-round picks here, which gives them options. Los Angeles could try to stay in the playoff picture with Anthony Davis leading the charge or they could pivot to a total rebuild. Trading Davis for multiple picks and young talents would give LA a ton of assets to start over with, but that is far from the ideal scenario.

Expect the Dallas Mavericks to push back some as they will want to build an immediate contender around their three stars, which makes the next one the most likely.

1. Most likely trade that lands LeBron in Dallas

This allows Dallas to keep one of their two young talents and forces the Mavericks to retain Davis Bertans’ hefty contract. It is a compromise by both organizations and still gives the Lakers nearly the best possible haul that Dallas can offer for King James.

This gives the Los Angeles Lakers four rotation-ready players, the tenth overall pick in this year’s draft, and a 2027 first-round pick for LeBron. Could they get more on the open market? Yes, but that does not matter. If King Jams wants to join the Mavericks, that is where he will end up.

LeBron was orchestrated exits from Cleveland twice and Miami during his career. Could his departure from the Lakers happen this summer? It is all in what he wants. The Mavericks will figure out a way to acquire him if James is set on playing in Dallas because it puts them firmly in the title picture and allows them to add veterans on minimum deals looking to chase a ring.

Kyrie Irving is pushing for it, and he has had success recruiting stars throughout his NBA career. Can he bring LeBron James to the Dallas Mavericks to form a Big 3 with Luka Doncic? The rumors are heating up, so stay tuned for all the latest.