5 Veteran free agents Mavericks could target with ties to LeBron James

The Dallas Mavericks could look extremely different next season if Kyrie Irving gets his wish as the eight-time is reportedly recruiting LeBron James to join him in Texas. It is no secret that the two want to join forces, and Mavs fans have heard Kyrie to the Lakers for rumors months.

Can Irving convince James to come to Dallas? It won’t be easy. LeBron is said to be happy in Los Angeles and his oldest son, Bronny, will be a freshman at USC in the fall. Will James leave for Texas to form a Big 3 with Luka Doncic and Kyrie? Shams Charania just reported Irving is testing LeBron’s interest. There is no guarantee this happens, but there is some smoke.

The Mavericks would have to give up multiple pieces to acquire LeBron James, and the rest of their roster would likely be minimum-contract players. King James has had success recruiting veterans to take less money to play with him, but who could he convince this summer to join him in Dallas?

Veteran free agents the Dallas Mavericks could target with ties to LeBron James

5. Wesley Matthews

Matthews turns 37 in October, but he still brings it on the defensive end of the floor. The 6’4 wing can no longer play more than 20 minutes per game consistently, but he is still a steady veteran that can round out a roster.

Matthews spent three and a half years in Dallas before being traded in 2019 in the original Kristaps Porzingis deal. His play was frustrating for fans, but the veteran has settled into more of a 3-and-D bench role in recent years.

Matthews played with LeBron James during the 2020-21 season. LA had just won a title inside the bubble, and the veteran wing was eager to chase a ring with the Lakers. Things did not go as planned as James and company were bounced in the first round of the playoffs, but Matthews played a key role throughout the year, despite all the injuries on their roster.

Wesley Matthews is still looking for his first ring, and he could decide that the Dallas Mavericks are his best chance to win one if LeBron James joins Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.