The Dallas Mavericks are in one of the most enviable positions across the NBA right now.
Yes, they no longer have their former transcendent superstar, Luka Doncic, but the roster is littered with proven, championship-caliber talent.
Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis lead the way with the support of Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.
Not to mention, they have basketball’s latest generational prospect, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
The fact of the matter is, this team is ready to win a championship now, and while Irving will have to come back from his torn ACL to make that dream a reality, it’s not out of the question that Dallas could contend this year.
But if the Mavericks want to make a surefire run in a loaded Western Conference, there’s one player out there who could make all the difference in Dallas.
Mavericks Trade Proposal Lands Lakers’ LeBron James
In a trade idea initially proposed by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Dallas Mavericks would bolster their championship odds by acquiring Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, reuniting him with Irving and Davis.
Dallas Mavericks receive: LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall
“If LeBron James grows tired of being a No. 2 option with the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing his career with the Dallas Mavericks is an intriguing option,” wrote Swartz.
“We know all too well that these front offices can negotiate behind the scenes. If James is looking for a new home, the Mavericks should be extremely interested in reuniting the four-time MVP with Irving and Davis.”
While the Mavericks would certainly be giving up a lot of depth to acquire a 40-year-old James, they have players who can fill in each spot.
Without Gafford, Lively II becomes the backup center behind Davis.
Thompson departs, but Dallas has D’Angelo Russell and Max Christie to fill the guard minutes.
Another positive: Dallas doesn’t even have to give up any draft capital to push the deal through, making this a pure players-for-player swap.
Would the Lakers Trade LeBron?
While on the surface, the deal feels like a slam dunk for the Dallas Mavericks, would the Los Angeles Lakers consider moving James?
For the right package, it seems the answer is yes, as James is entering the last year of his contract and is set to hit free agency next summer.
Of course, the four-time league MVP has a no-trade clause as well, but considering he would be headed to a win-now situation, it’s safe to say he would sign off on the deal.
Because he would be reuniting with former championship-winning teammates Irving and Davis, LeBron would be comfortable finishing his basketball career in Dallas.
But how about the Lakers themselves? Would they be open to a return of role players for their 40-year-old star?
Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World thinks so, considering how the Lakers have treated James so far this summer.
“Trading LeBron James would be a significant move on behalf of the Lakers. Given recent reports involving their decision to refuse James’ demands for an extension, however, it would not be out of the question. The Purple and Gold seem to have embraced the Luka Doncic era,” wrote Gupta.
“In this regard, a potential trade involving James, while undoubtedly shocking, would still have some benefit at the right price. Swartz’s trade proposal features some interesting assets, with players such as Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, and Naji Marshall being mentioned. Each of these veterans has upside and has experience playing alongside Doncic.”
At the end of the day, this trade proposal gives each party something they want.
The Mavericks increase their odds of a championship this season, the Lakers land key contributors to help Doncic lead Los Angeles, and James enters a new situation where he’s in a position to win a championship.
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