As the NBA offseason simmers with speculation, one storyline has quietly gained traction; LeBron James’ curiosity about playing for the Dallas Mavericks. According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, James has shown “some genuine curiosity” about the idea, but that doesn’t mean a trade is on the horizon.
Stein’s report makes it clear that Dallas has not pursued a trade for James, nor do they intend to if it means sacrificing key rotation players.
“They have not tried to trade for him and do not want to try to trade for him if it means surrendering multiple rotation pillars for a player who turns 41 in December,” Stein wrote.
The Mavericks present a unique appeal for James. Off the court, he’s deeply rooted in Los Angeles, where his family has lived for years and where he’s building a new home in Beverly Hills. But on the court, Dallas offers familiarity and potential synergy. James has played alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, and has been coached by Jason Kidd, all figures currently tied to the Mavericks organization.
Add to that the presence of recent addition of Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Dallas suddenly looks like a compelling destination for a veteran chasing one last title.
While a trade is off the table, Stein notes that a buyout could change everything. If James were to become a free agent, Dallas would be interested in signing him to a veteran minimum deal, a financially feasible move that wouldn’t disrupt their roster balance. However, this remains highly speculative. The Lakers have shown no signs of offering a buyout, and James himself has not publicly expressed interest in leaving Los Angeles.
James recently opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, signaling a commitment to the Lakers, at least for now. But as Stein points out, the Mavericks would be ready to pounce if circumstances changed.
