All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving wants the Dallas Mavericks to trade for Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James this summer, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
However, since the new CBA resembles a hard cap, it’s likely impossible for the Mavericks to have Irving, James and Luka Doncic since James and Doncic are already making max money and Irving is expected to sign a max contract this summer in unrestricted free agency.
In order for Irving and James to partner with Doncic, the two champions would have to take a sizable pay cut. The easiest path for the Mavericks to add James this offseason would be for the four-time MVP to orchestrate a buyout with the Lakers and sign a cheap deal with the Mavericks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the Lakers last summer. The extension has a 15% trade kicker and includes a player option for the 2024-25 season. The four-time Finals MVP told Haynes after the Lakers got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals that he may retire this summer.
James is 38 and has a torn tendon in his right foot.
“I’m simply not sure if I’ll be back in the fall when the season begins,” James told Haynes. “I have a lot to think about.”
James asking for a buyout from the Lakers probably won’t happen. The King wants Irving to come join him and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles if he doesn’t retire.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James and Irving were teammates for three seasons on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-15 to 2016-17. They played in three straight NBA Finals and led the Cavaliers to the 2016 title over the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
All indications are that the Mavericks remain intent on re-signing Irving, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Dallas can offer Irving the most money.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
