Reports have emerged suggesting that Kyrie Irving wants the Dallas Mavericks to explore the possibility of trading for LeBron James in the offseason, aiming to form a Big 3 alongside himself and Luka Doncic. Irving and James have both expressed openness to reuniting from their time playing together for the Cleveland Cavaliers, with James indicating his willingness to team up with his former teammate. Last season, the Mavericks were reportedly prepared to make an offer for James when the Lakers were struggling, but the Lakers' trade activity before the deadline changed their trajectory.
Creating a James-Irving-Doncic Big 3 under the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement would be challenging due to the league's strict salary cap restrictions. It would require significant pay cuts from both Irving and James to accommodate the three max contracts on the roster. One possible but unlikely scenario would involve James orchestrating a buyout, as he has one year remaining on his contract worth $46.9 million, along with a player option for the following season.
Despite the obstacles, James and Doncic have developed a strong relationship, with Doncic publicly expressing his admiration for James as his idol. Irving, who became an unrestricted free agent after being traded to the Mavericks from the Brooklyn Nets, reportedly ranks as the team's top priority in the offseason. James recently hinted at retirement and uncertainty about his future with the Lakers following their elimination in the second round of the playoffs.
A potential trade for James would require him to request a trade, but it is highly unlikely that the Lakers would consider a deal with the Mavericks, given their lack of appealing trade assets. The Mavericks' trade options are limited due to previous missteps and the lack of attractive assets even after acquiring Irving. Even in the hypothetical scenario of a trade demand from James, the Lakers are reportedly not interested in what the Mavericks could offer.
The Lakers, if open to trading James, would expect a substantial package in return, far exceeding what the Mavericks could provide with their current assets. It is doubtful that the Mavericks would be willing to trade Doncic, as it would contradict their goal of forming a Big 3. Overall, the notion of a trade between the Lakers and Mavericks involving James seems highly unlikely and lacks a clear motive or leverage for the parties involved.
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