Some ideas refuse to die. Even NBA trade ideas will continuously resurface. No matter what happens, fans will speculate about a possibility.
For example, we’ve been discussing a potential reunion between LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks for some time. Fans want to see this. James and Irving were wildly successful together on the Cleveland Cavaliers. What if they got back together?
It could happen this summer. The Mavericks are under a lot of pressure to win. Rumors surround their potential implosion if they can’t make a deep playoff push. Could they trade Irving to the Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving
There’s a reason we explore these possibilities. In the modern NBA, anything is possible. This is the age of player empowerment. If a star player wants something to happen, they have an unprecedented ability to force the hand.
Would Irving want this? It’s hard to say. When he left the Cavaliers, he was clear about his preferences. Irving was tired of being in James’ shadow. Why would he put himself back in that shadow?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Well, a lot has changed since then. Irving has even made comments suggesting that he’s regretful about how things ended in Cleveland. He could be open to a reunion with James. Should the Mavericks facilitate that reunion?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
It depends on how the rest of 2023-24 goes. If it goes poorly, the Mavericks may have deeper problems. Rumors have suggested that Luka Doncic could seek a new home if the Mavericks fall short of expectations.
Let’s assume that doesn’t happen first. In that event, this deal could still make sense. The Mavericks are bringing in two rotation players at the price of one. They’re also bringing in some draft capital to make another major move if Doncic is willing to be patient.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If he isn’t? The Mavericks will receive a haul for him. This deal would be icing on the cake – these picks will be highly valuable to the Mavericks if Doncic requests a trade. Should the Lakers help them kickstart their rebuild?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Doncic could request a trade. By contrast, James could walk. He’s got a player option this summer. James could leave the Lakers and join whatever team he prefers in the summer.
What could keep him in Los Angeles? Acquiring Irving would be a start. This is a superstar shot-creating guard that James knows he can win with. If the Lakers want to get back into the title picture, they shouldn’t balk at this expense to add Irving.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Sure, it leaves them with minimal draft capital moving forward. The big-market Lakers haven’t traditionally had to worry about that. They’ll find a star – in the meantime, they should make this rumor a reality if they can.
