The NBA offseason just got a jolt of electricity as a new three-team blockbuster trade idea from Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report suggests LeBron James could land with the Dallas Mavericks, alongside his son Bronny James, in a deal that dramatically reshapes the futures of three teams.
While LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, his decision was met with skepticism by many league executives. As Pincus noted, most insiders expected James to opt out and sign a one-plus-one deal. Instead, the fact that he didn’t stirred talk of discontent and a possible end to his Lakers run.
James holds one of the league’s rare no-trade clauses, meaning he can dictate where he lands. According to multiple insiders, the Dallas Mavericks could be high on his list and it’s easy to see why. Reuniting with Kyrie Irving, joining forces with Anthony Davis again, and playing under Jason Kidd (who served as an assistant coach during the Lakers’ 2020 title run) all make Dallas a compelling destination.
The Proposed Trade
Dallas Mavericks Receive: LeBron James (via Lakers), Bronny James (via Lakers), Drew Timme (via Nets), Tyrese Martin (via Nets), $1.8 million trade exception,
$1.1 million trade exception
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Daniel Gafford (via Mavericks), PJ Washington (via Mavericks), Naji Marshall (via Mavericks), Caleb Martin (via Mavericks), Jaden Hardy (via Mavericks), 2030 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick (via Nets), 2031 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick (via Nets), $24.1 million trade exception
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Dalton Knecht (via Lakers), Maxi Kleber (via Lakers), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (via Mavericks), Dwight Powell (via Mavericks)
The Mavericks Make A Daring Gamble
Dallas is gambling on greatness. LeBron James may be 40, but he’s still playing like a top-tier NBA contributor. With Kyrie Irving sidelined to start the season, James provides star power, shot creation, and leadership. He knows how to win with Irving and Davis, and the Mavericks are looking to strike while the title window is open.
The cost is depth. Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, and Jaden Hardy are all quality pieces but none are untouchable. With No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg in the mix, Dallas has flexibility. They’d be down to eight reliable veterans plus Flagg, with plans to bring back Dante Exum and add a big man by November.
While roster gymnastics would be required to remain under the second apron, Dallas believes a core of LeBron, Davis, Irving, Flagg, and Lively is enough to contend.
The Lakers Start The Luka Doncic Era
The Lakers, meanwhile, get to pivot hard around Luka Doncic. With James’ massive salary gone, the Lakers can fill out the roster with depth. Gafford is a great backup to Ayton. PJ Washington adds a versatile forward with floor-spacing potential. Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin are rugged wings who can defend and hit timely shots. Jaden Hardy adds young scoring punch.
Importantly, the Lakers shed salary, acquire a $24.1 million trade exception, and return a pair of second-rounders. It’s a soft reboot without fully tanking. They stay competitive while preserving long-term flexibility, particularly with 2026 free agency looming.
LeBron’s departure would leave a leadership void, but Doncic is now the new franchise player. And surrounding him with a deeper, more balanced roster is arguably a better use of cap space than trying to run it back with an aging James.
The Nets Act As A Facilitator
Brooklyn is focused on rebuilding. With $22 million in cap space and no immediate playoff ambitions, they’re happy to take flyers on players like Dalton Knecht and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Timme and Martin are non-guaranteed deals. Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell are likely to be waived.
The Nets essentially get assets while helping two contenders shift around money. They may also receive cash considerations in the finalized version of this deal.
LeBron James Gets His Last Dance
LeBron has never publicly demanded a trade. But the silence after opting in, followed by statements from Rich Paul and reporting from Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne, suggests there’s tension. James reportedly felt the Lakers didn’t go all-in and may view this season as a farewell tour.
Pairing him with Kyrie and Davis again offers a chance to compete immediately in Dallas, and Bronny joining him sweetens the deal. While James would need to waive his $1.5 million trade bonus, it’s likely he would if Dallas is his preferred destination.
This trade also aligns with LeBron’s long-standing interest in player empowerment. He’d be choosing his final ride, surrounded by players he trusts. And it gives Bronny a development path on a playoff team without the pressure of the Los Angeles media.
If LeBron James truly wants one last championship push, the Dallas Mavericks offer the ideal environment. Eric Pincus’ trade idea is bold, complex, and risky, but it’s also elegant. The Mavericks go all-in. The Lakers reset around Doncic. The Nets gain assets. Everyone walks away with a strategic win.
And LeBron? He gets the final say and possibly, a final ring.
