Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been the subject of swirling trade rumors since opting into his player option with the Lakers. Many teams across the NBA have checked in on James’ status, including the Dallas Mavericks.
While the team is aware of James’ potentially being available on the trade market, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin says that the team is only seriously interested if James hits the buyout market.
“I’m told that they would only be interested in LeBron in a buyout situation,” McMenamin said.
The Mavericks have already gotten busy this offseason, signing D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum in free agency, and drafting Cooper Flagg with the first-overall pick in this year’s draft. Although a slight possibility, it doesn’t appear likely that LeBron James will be joining them in Dallas.
LeBron will be playing in his 23rd NBA season in 2025-26. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season in his age-40 campaign.
Despite no LeBron, the Mavericks are still set up to be highly competive next season with Flagg, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving once he returns from a torn ACL. The team has rebounded nicely from trading away Luka Doncic and should be a strong force in the Western Conference.